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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1267 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 23, 2023

Anu Krishna is a mind coach and relationship expert.
The co-founder of Unfear Changemakers LLP, she has received her neuro linguistic programming training from National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming, USA, and her energy work specialisation from the Institute for Inner Studies, Manila.
She is an executive member of the Indian Association of Adolescent Health.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Mar 19, 2023Hindi
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Relationship

Madam, I am 61 years old , retired from Govt service an year ago. I have a problem in my family. Though my wife is a post graduate, she refused to take up any Job and wants all others including her in laws to give her money eternally. Misbehaved with my parents & sent them out of our house for their supposed conservative style and refused to allow my sisters family on a visit and quarreled with me on this ground time & again. She quarrels with me on silly issues loudly infront of kids. She reflects her mother`s attitude in dealing with my parents & relatives. Later She re-started her love affair with her ex lover . Fed up with quarrels at home and keep her away from unwarranted affairs, I decided to go abroad and took her also with me with our 2 daughters. There again, she started another illicit affair with my classmate cum colleague (whom i knew for 2 decades and i treated like a brother and was already married with kids). After 18 months of secret affair , behind me, they finally disclosed and wanted to elope leaving their families behind. Stunned by their ghastly betrayal , I sent my family back to India and also reported the matter to boss, who repatriated that Traitor back. I had to forgive my wife for sake of my Daughters who were aged 12 yrs and 9 yrs then. I am unable to come to terms with their ghastly actions though 2 decades have since passed. We sleep in separate rooms and I have no physical relation with her, ever since as our marriage is over for all purposes. I believe that mutual Trust & respect are the foundations of any marriage. Both are lost in our case. Now my daughters aged 31, 29 are Post graduates but are sitting idle at home wasting time in TV and refuse to do any job as their mother keeps telling them why should women work ?. They refuse to receive any external counselling nor willing to get married nor take up a job nor pursue any studies. They are financially dependent on me. I am now retired and live on Govt Pension. They refuse to understand the reality around them. They have no friend either in Relatives or in their college circles. What to do with their Intransigence? .

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
At 61, you look back and reflect; what choices have you made that has led you to be where you are right now?
Have those choices robbed you of your peace of mind and a better life?
If Yes, it still isn't late to rework and revisit those choices and make better ones.

But for that, this obsession with their ghastly affair must end. The more you are focused on the past, it becomes difficult to create anything beautiful for today and tomorrow. Yes, you felt hurt and were in pain, but to continue to feel the pain is a choice and that is only going to make you more bitter. Consider what is happening with your marriage; you might have to accept that this is the way it will be. If you are not happy with this, then think of what you want to do about it.

It's a good thing that you have begun to focus on your children. They seem to be in need of focus and direction. Since they are adults, it's time you gave them an ultimatum to find a job and move out of home. It sounds cruel, but at times, as a parent you need to do the right thing for your children. So, act NOW and without hesitation.
As for you, as you decide what you want to do with your marriage, involve yourself in social circles and hobbies, travel etc. It will give you a distraction and also a way to calm your mind to take decisions.

All the best!

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1267 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 30, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 27, 2023Hindi
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Dear Anu, I am married for 24 years having two grown up children. Both are studying. My wife is not working. She had been adamant and spendthrift since the beginning of our marriage. Just to maintain peace I was putting up with her undue demands. Than in last decade my business suffered for quite sometime still I sold some property and managed the household expenses. Than in 2017 the business started picking up and it started doing well. but having learned the lesson I became very firm with wasteful expenses. And by end of 2017 she broke all ties with me, and started sleeping with our daughter in her room. Now since last six years we are hardly talking to each other despite living in the same house . Her parents are also hand in glove with her and disconnected with me. I also came to know lot of factors about her family. Her father claimed to be a businessman before marriage and later I learned he was working in subcontracts division of a company and making money by illegal means from vendors. He was a heavy drinker and had relations with many women. I also came to know that her father had thrown his father out of house and that old man had died in a temple. To make matter worse her parents are having one more daughter which they claim to be given to some family member and now they don't have any relationship with that girl or the couple to whom they have given their daughter to. So prima facie they have a child or children which they have hidden from society. We attended marriages of her uncle's daughters out of Mumbai. His uncle and his family attended my marriage and marriage of my wife's only brother. Now after all marriages are over they have broken up with that uncle too. He is real brother of my father in law. Her aunty expired two years back I offered to call her uncle and offer condolences she said no need now relationship with uncle is over. With all these I am able to come to a conclusion that the family doesn't value relationships and once their purpose is served they discontinue the relationship. Due to constant problems my children have also become very adamant and are not concentrating on studies. Kindly suggest what should I do in the given situation. Can the marriage be annulled on the grounds her family concealed vital information before marriage. I offered her to go for marriage counselling and therapy but she refused. Please suggest some suitable solution.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Too much of a mess, yeah?
Why they hid certain facts and what impact that has had on your marriage is something that you are experiencing. Relationships are built on trust and honesty leads to that trust. You possibly feel being misled multiple times over and it will indeed affect the mind state of your children.
Good that you have woken up to this NOW.
Are you sure that you want to end this marriage? Or is there a possibility of saving it?
If you want to end it through a legal recourse, find an able lawyer who specializes in divorce cases. She/he will advise you on annulment or mutual consent divorce or filing for one. These options come to a better choice when you seek an expert in legal matters.
In the meantime, keep your mind in a place where it is calm. Too much of muddle and constant over processing will make you have bitter thoughts and keep you engaged in stress building situations.
Accept what's happening (difficult, I know)...but doing this will enable you to take the right decision not only for your life but also for your children. Also, I suggest spend a lot of time with the children and teach them not to take sides of any parent.
Whatever you decide is going to impact them and they must be prepared anyway. So, talk to them like they are grown ups and let them grow into it supporting you both rather than be caught in the cross fire.
I am sure if you have had the courage to understand what has been happening to you, you can surely take additional steps to safeguard your mind space and do what's right for the children as well.
All the best!

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |389 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on May 26, 2024

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Relationship
Hi I am 40 yrs with wife and kid of 7 yrs. My problem is family oriented. I have three sister, elder two sisters are well married and settled. My younger sister had an arrange marriage in 2004 and she had a divorce in 2011. With that marriage she has a boy child who is almost 18 now and too lazy, she as per her will did an intercaste love marriage in court in 2015 without informing anyone. I used to stay away in delhi and my parents and eldest sister(at her in laws place) in kolkata and d youngest married d guy 2 km from parents house. In 2017 i shifted back to kolkata as my wife was pregnant, so we took a decision dat now it would be better to stay in joint family as d kid will get grand parents and we will also serve my parents, but my youngest sister had a very bad habit of calling my mom every day almost 5-7 times and coming to parental house every alternate days which i rrsisted and i faced backlash from my parents and her too. Then suddenly things changed her husband became a very rowdy person and started beating her as she narrated and she came back to parental house with two kids one was from previous husband and one was from d court love marriage, now she stays in same flat where my parents stays. In 2017 aug my kid was born in 2019 she came back and den i again decided to leave house with my wife and kid as it was 2 bhk flat and all people flocked there as if ut was a zoo so i decided to leave with my family and we moved to ujjain and started living peacefully. Reason for leaving was my younger sis her eldest son and my dad has a very bad habit of shouting arguing nd fighting means domestic violence which i have seen in my childhood days even wen my dad used to do violence with my mom. Now i say her to take divorce and stay with parents or go back to her husbamd or where ever she wants. My dad is retired with a fixed income of around 20k per month. My sis and her son stays at home uses all facilities of home whereas when i shifted to ujjain i did all hardships and built my rented flat. Used to sleep on floor slowly we both husband wife worked hard and bought bed, kitchen utensils fridge and tv. Now my concern is she is not taking divorce and fully dependent on my father. She and her son both earn almost 35k together but their contribution towards house is big Zero towards ration is ZEro yes for basic dey dont pay anythng but like she pays for her small child school fees almost 3000 and whatever dey feel like eating extra den normal homely food she brings for her kids. As she is not taking divorce what can be main reason and future consequences to my kid and my life and my mom and dad have just become a free maid for her kids, my sis does all masti and roams freely till 9 pm without any concern for her kids as my mom is behind as maid to take care. Means my mom and dad have no saving cz of her and no personal life nor any social life cz dey have to take d youngest kid along with dem. My dad is 70 diabetic mom is 65 undergone bypass. Wen i say cz of yoi came back i have to leave dat house she says did i hold ur hand and say to go out. Where as i needed peace but i also need my parents as i want to take care of dem cz she treats dem like servants only. And my parentz dont understand dis dey hav soft cornor for her. She is like deemak but dey dont understand. Kindly guide me.
Ans: Your situation is complex, involving familial responsibilities and personal peace. To address it, start by understanding your sister's reasons for not seeking a divorce. Consider engaging a professional family counselor to mediate and provide support for everyone involved. Legally, explore the options available for ensuring she contributes financially to the household.

Your priority should be to protect your parents' well-being and your own family's stability. If your sister continues to burden your parents without contributing, it might be necessary to seek legal advice on how to manage this dependency. You may also need to discuss with your parents the importance of setting boundaries to ensure their health and financial security. Balancing compassion with firm boundaries is key to resolving these issues while maintaining family harmony.

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1267 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jun 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 26, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Hi, I married 1 year ago my wife told me she was forced to do a marriage against her concern and she didn't want the marriage life and wanted to live as strangers, also she refused to take wife responsibilities at home i have waited trusting she would change but she never changed. She is alone daughter to her parents borned after 16 years to their parents and she used to live outside around 17 year for her studies. After marriage whenever her parents come she used to ignore me, also she work in private sector and not share even single rupee to home. However all house hold work i do being boy, also she is not at all interested in intercource as well. After marriage 2 week she stayed in PG stating that my close friend will go to native allow me to spend time with her reast all i will be with you like. I agreed. Later 6 Month she used to give reasons for intercource i got periods, rashes, not feeling good, tiered, no mood, etc this happen till 6 month. After this we had 4 times in 2 month with protection that too just for 1 or 2 min as she mentioned lot of pain, after that she started avoiding, since i was not fulfilled by sex desire i started making extra marital affairs in facebook and turned to whatsapp only text, one fine day she saw all msgs i did with extra marital affair and she took photos of that and went to PG without informing any one. Later both families elder sat and asked she used to show the msgs that i did with extra marital affairs and she wanted seperate now from me. Though i accepted the extra marital affairs only interms of msgs and since you not willing to do sex i choose this way i mentioned. But she dont like to come back now. Her father took 2 month of time that he will change her mind set but i dont think she can. As her mother is also not good women, suporting her daughter and making such big issues and she also not interested in this marriage itself.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Sometimes people are just not ready for marriage and here your wife certainly came along with a huge baggage of unresolved issues behind her.
Marriage requires both partners to be responsible not just towards one another but take an active interest in their roles. This calls for maturity from both partners here.
Now, this was never a possibility with your spouse as she felt the marriage was a forced one. That is enough to destroy any chances of the marriage falling in place. You are also in a soup now that she has found her 'proof' that gives her a ticket out of this marriage.
The question here is: Do you want this marriage? If YES, then you will have to start down the part of proving your innocence and what led to what and how and when...If NO, then since your spouse has found her ticket to freedom, the only thing you might have to do is clearly state and not explain anything as to how things went downhill right from the beginning. Her parents may believe you or not, but that's what your decision needs. They may try to malign you in the family, just stick to your version of what happened and move on.
So, you are at that point where you need to make a decision. What is it going to be?

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1267 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jul 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Hi Mam, I got married in 2020. I have tried to find a job for her in Bangalore.Even she told that i can't eat in your salary if I earn i do not need to do what you are asking. I just asked her that we are family why you are thinking like this.4 to 5 times same problem fight happened. Whatever I tell she has taken in negative way.After a year we got separated. Even if I explain things she doesn't understand. I have dropped her in hometown in her home. Explained things to their parents that this what happened. Asked her parents that let me know what is her decision to live with me or not.After 6 months got a call from her. she did not come out with that mentality and wanted divorce. After a month I have accepted for mutual divorce. Her parents also told that mutual divorce. when called for a meeting in common place for mutual divorce they did not reply. They have filed Domestic violence act by putting false allegations in petition. Case is going on for more than 2 year. when one my relative went to talk. she itself asked pay 25 lakh as one time settlement then only they will withdraw the DVC petition and accept mutual divorce. Now.To the head person of my caste group their parents told that she is willing to live with me Despite taking care of her properly..they filed false allegations on me and family members also. i have decided for mutual divorce when she asked. I don't have 25 lakh.I have told them that I can give them only 7 lakhs then we can mutually get divorce. No answer from them. I have decided not live with her anymore. Pls tell your opinion abt this.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Your decision must be right as the real reason for her moving away from the marriage is still unknown or you have missed out on sharing the whole picture.
Also, what is the reason for the Domestic Violence petition? Has there been a reason for her to feel that she needed to put a case on you? But if you know that there is no scope for reconciliation, then I am sure you know what is the best thing to do...
(Due to inadequate information from you, I can provide only generic suggestions). But, there's one thing which is: There seems to have been no understanding between you and your wife when she suggested that it's your salary; there is certainly something which made her unable to come close within the marriage and accept is as a mutual partnership rather than just an isolated relationship.

On the legal aspect, kindly follow what your lawyer advises you to do...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6965 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir, i am working as lecturer having 25000/- salary, due to family circumstances i have 30lk credit. All jewell loans, i could not able to handle. Even i sale my jewellery, i will be having 5 to 6 lk only. Any suggestion to reduce my credits.
Ans: It takes courage to address such situations, and it’s great that you’re taking proactive steps to improve your finances. Here’s a 360-degree approach to help you effectively reduce your debts while managing your monthly income of Rs 25,000.

 

Assessing Your Debt Situation
Current Debt Amount: You have Rs 30 lakhs in debt primarily due to loans taken against jewelry. If selling your jewelry will provide only Rs 5-6 lakhs, then other measures are necessary to bridge the remaining gap.

Debt Sources and Interest Rates: Understanding the interest rates on each loan will help prioritize payments. Jewelry loans often carry lower interest than unsecured loans or credit card debt. However, their high value makes them significant.

 

Setting Financial Priorities
Essential Expenses: Calculate your essential monthly expenses (household, transport, utilities). This will clarify how much is left for debt repayment each month.

Debt Repayment Priority: Prioritize high-interest debts first. Any loan with a high interest rate should be addressed as soon as possible to reduce interest accumulation.

 

Exploring Repayment Options
Partial Repayment by Selling Jewelry: Selling your jewelry may not clear all debt but will help reduce a portion. Use the Rs 5-6 lakhs strategically by paying off high-interest loans first.

Consider Loan Consolidation: If possible, consolidate your loans into one with a lower interest rate. For instance, banks or cooperative societies sometimes offer personal loans at a lower rate, which can help ease monthly payments.

Restructuring Existing Loans: Contact your lenders to discuss loan restructuring options. Many banks provide relief by extending loan tenures or reducing EMI amounts for individuals in genuine financial distress.

 

Managing Monthly Cash Flow
Setting a Strict Budget: Allocate a strict budget for necessities. Consider frugal practices to reduce monthly costs temporarily, which can free up additional funds for debt payments.

Allocating a Debt Repayment Fund: Set aside a specific portion of your income every month, no matter how small, strictly for debt repayment. This will build consistency in reducing your debt.

Avoiding New Debts: Avoid taking additional loans or using credit until your current debt is more manageable.

 

Additional Income Opportunities
Tutoring or Freelance Work: As a lecturer, you could consider online tutoring or offering coaching for students after hours. Even Rs 5,000-10,000 in additional income monthly can significantly help.

Skill-Based Part-Time Work: If time permits, you could explore other opportunities aligned with your teaching expertise, such as writing educational content, creating online courses, or conducting paid webinars.

 

Support Systems and Resources
Family Support: Since family circumstances have impacted your debt, consider discussing any temporary financial support options with family members to ease immediate pressure.

Seeking Financial Counseling: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can give detailed advice tailored to your unique situation, including restructuring or debt management plans. A CFP will provide a professional outlook on maximizing your income and managing debt within a structured plan.

 

Reducing Emotional and Financial Stress
Avoid Impulse Financial Decisions: It’s easy to make financial decisions under stress that may lead to more debt. Focus on following a structured plan.

Self-Care: Financial challenges can be overwhelming, affecting mental and physical health. Maintain a balanced routine, and stay positive.

 

Final Insights
Addressing debt takes time and disciplined planning. By following these steps, you can gradually reduce your financial burden. The approach of combining structured repayments with minimal expenses and possible additional income can put you back on a more stable financial footing.

 
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6965 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 04, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir, I purchased a residential plot in 2018. Paying 6 monthly installment.Total amount paid with interest was 43,00000/- forty three lack. I have no residential house at present. Now the present price of that is 95,00000/- . Now I want to sell that and investing Rs 40,00000/- for residential house and balance in commercial land. please advise me.
Ans: You’ve achieved excellent appreciation on your plot investment, which is highly commendable. You now aim to sell this property and use part of the funds for a residential house while considering the rest for commercial land. Let’s analyse this plan from a Certified Financial Planner’s perspective. Here’s a 360-degree assessment to help you make a well-informed decision.

Capital Gains and Tax Implications
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): As you bought the plot in 2018 and are selling it now, the capital gains qualify as long-term. Given the increased value, you may incur LTCG tax on the profit.

Exemptions: When reinvesting in a residential property, you can potentially claim exemption under Section 54F of the Income Tax Act. This exemption applies if the capital gain amount is reinvested in a residential house within a specified timeframe. Consulting with a tax advisor could optimize your tax efficiency here.

Analyzing Residential House Purchase
Primary Residence Investment: Using Rs 40 lakh for a residential house is a wise move, as it gives you a self-owned home, fulfilling a fundamental need. Without a current home, owning a residence enhances your long-term security and reduces rent expenses.

Long-Term Value: Owning a home can offer lifestyle stability, tax benefits, and asset value over time. However, as residential properties are typically less liquid and may have lower returns than other assets, it’s best to consider it a personal asset rather than an investment.

Considerations for Commercial Land Investment
Investing in commercial land may seem attractive due to potentially higher rental yields and appreciation rates. However, let’s evaluate it against alternative investment avenues.

Risk and Return: Commercial properties generally offer higher returns than residential properties but come with higher risks. Rental income from commercial spaces can be inconsistent based on economic conditions and tenant demand. It’s essential to assess if you’re comfortable with this risk.

Liquidity Concerns: Real estate, especially commercial property, is less liquid. Selling a commercial property may take time, and in down markets, you may not realize your expected price.

Maintenance and Management: Commercial properties often require more active management, legal clearances, and compliance checks. Unless you’re prepared for these responsibilities, this investment could become complex.

Exploring Alternative Investments for Growth
To maximize growth, diversifying your remaining funds into financial instruments can be beneficial. Here are a few alternatives:

1. Mutual Funds
Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed mutual funds, overseen by professional fund managers, have the potential for higher returns than index funds. Unlike passive index funds, active funds aim to outperform benchmarks, making them appealing for growth-focused investors.

Regular vs. Direct Funds: Regular funds come with guidance from a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) and a Certified Financial Planner, who can provide personalized advice. The convenience of a CFP-guided approach often outweighs the slightly higher fees compared to direct funds. Direct funds, while fee-saving, lack advisory benefits and can lead to suboptimal choices if not expertly managed.

2. Fixed Income Instruments
Corporate Bonds or Government Securities: These can provide steady income and safety for conservative investors. Interest rates vary based on the issuer and tenure, and they offer fixed returns over time.

Fixed Deposits (FDs): Bank FDs or other fixed-income options offer stability and liquidity. Though the return rates are modest, they add a stable component to your portfolio.

Debt Mutual Funds: For a moderate-risk approach, debt funds are ideal. Debt mutual funds invest in bonds and government securities, offering stability and potentially higher returns than FDs. Remember, debt funds are taxed as per your income slab.

3. Gold as a Hedge
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): Investing a small portion in SGBs diversifies your portfolio, providing a hedge against inflation. SGBs offer interest income and avoid the hassle of physical storage, making them an efficient gold investment.

Gold Mutual Funds and ETFs: Alternatively, gold mutual funds or ETFs provide liquidity and flexibility, though they may have slightly lower returns than physical gold or SGBs.

Evaluating Your Financial Goals and Needs
Based on your current objective, here’s a tailored roadmap to help meet your requirements:

Primary Residence Ownership: Prioritise the Rs 40 lakh towards a residential home purchase, fulfilling your immediate housing needs.

Enhanced Diversification: For the remaining funds, diversify between mutual funds, fixed-income products, and gold. This combination offers growth, stability, and inflation protection.

Balanced Liquidity and Growth: Consider liquid investments like mutual funds and FDs for accessible funds. These can support liquidity while generating returns.

Key Takeaways for a Secure Future
Avoid Concentration in Real Estate: Since you already hold residential and commercial property, too much allocation to real estate could limit liquidity and growth opportunities. Financial assets offer more flexibility.

Tax Optimization: By consulting a tax advisor, you can strategically reinvest and claim exemptions, optimizing your tax outgo while achieving your financial goals.

Active Monitoring and Review: Regularly review your portfolio, especially in mutual funds, with the assistance of a Certified Financial Planner. This ensures alignment with your goals and adapts to market changes.

Final Insights
Selling your plot offers a unique opportunity to balance asset allocation between real estate and financial assets. By investing in a residential property for personal use and diversifying into financial assets, you achieve both stability and growth potential.

Your disciplined approach to financial planning is commendable. With a balanced strategy, you can maximise both security and growth for a prosperous future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6965 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 05, 2024Hindi
Money
Dear Mr. Ramalingam Kalirajan, I am 51 years old, single with no dependent. currently I own a portfolio of INR 1.3 Cr in which 40 L is in MF and 10L in Bond and 10L in Gold. 50L in direct Shares and another 20L in Insurance (Ulip). apart from this I have a Flat which is worth of 60L. my Monthly expenses is around 40K, currently I am planning to retire, kindly let me know whether with this investment can I retire keeping life expectancy of 70-80 years. kindly advice.
Ans: It’s commendable that you’ve accumulated a substantial portfolio and are considering retirement thoughtfully. Let's evaluate each asset class within your portfolio to assess your retirement readiness.

Monthly Income Needs and Existing Assets

You mentioned monthly expenses of Rs 40,000.
Over a 20-30 year retirement period, inflation may gradually increase this amount. A sustainable withdrawal strategy will help address this.
Given a life expectancy of 70-80 years, a monthly income from investments is essential to meet your needs without depleting your corpus.
Mutual Funds

Your mutual fund corpus of Rs 40 lakh could play a key role in providing regular income.

Actively managed funds, unlike index funds, allow expert fund managers to navigate market conditions. They aim for growth even in uncertain markets.
These funds can also be diversified across equity and debt categories to maintain balance. Equity funds can support growth, while debt funds can offer stability and liquidity.
Suggested Action

Retain and build your mutual fund corpus. Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) offer guidance, minimizing risk while aiming for returns.
Setting up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) can provide monthly income in a tax-efficient manner. SWP helps maintain principal while generating steady cash flow.
Direct Share Investments

With Rs 50 lakh in direct shares, your exposure to the equity market is significant.

Direct shares can be volatile and may not always align with the cash flow needs of retirement.
However, with proper management, shares may serve as a growth engine in your portfolio.
Suggested Action

Gradually shift part of your direct shares to diversified equity mutual funds. They provide professional management, spreading risk across sectors and companies.
Review the remaining stocks for potential dividends. Dividend-yielding stocks can complement your monthly cash flow needs.
Bond Investments

Your Rs 10 lakh in bonds offers stability but limited growth. Bonds are more effective as a balance to higher-growth assets like equities.

Bonds have fixed interest, but they may not keep up with inflation. Over time, they could lose purchasing power.
Suggested Action

Retain some bonds for safety but consider partially reallocating to debt mutual funds. Debt funds offer liquidity and potentially better post-tax returns than traditional bonds.
Maintain a mix of short and medium-term debt funds. These provide safety while possibly enhancing returns over traditional fixed-income instruments.
Gold Holdings

Gold can serve as a hedge in times of market volatility, and your Rs 10 lakh in gold contributes to a diversified portfolio.

However, gold alone may not generate regular income. It is more useful for capital preservation.
Suggested Action

Keep your gold as a long-term hedge but avoid expanding your holdings in gold.
For income generation, focus on growth-oriented assets like equity or hybrid funds, which combine equity and debt in a balanced manner.
Insurance (ULIP)

Your Rs 20 lakh in a Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) provides both insurance and investment. However, ULIPs can come with high charges and may not yield optimal returns.

Suggested Action

It is advisable to consider surrendering or partially exiting the ULIP.
Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds, which offer greater flexibility, transparency, and cost-efficiency. A term insurance policy can cover any remaining insurance needs.
Real Estate

You own a flat valued at Rs 60 lakh, which can provide security or rental income if required. However, real estate as an asset is typically illiquid, and immediate access to funds can be challenging.

Suggested Action

If rental income isn’t feasible, consider whether this asset aligns with your retirement goals. Selling the property can free up funds for more liquid investments.
Alternatively, keep it as a fallback option but prioritize liquid and income-generating investments for cash flow needs.
Creating a Sustainable Income Stream

To cover Rs 40,000 monthly expenses, an ideal approach is to create a mix of income sources from your portfolio:

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from equity and hybrid mutual funds could provide monthly income while maintaining the principal.
Dividends from shares, if selected well, can further support your cash flow.
For liquidity, a portion in debt mutual funds or bonds can cover emergencies.
Optimizing Tax Efficiency

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%, and short-term gains at 20%.
Debt funds, on the other hand, are taxed per your income tax slab.
Setting up withdrawals strategically can help minimize tax impact and extend the life of your corpus.
Maintaining Emergency Funds

Since you are planning for a lengthy retirement, set aside a portion of liquid assets as an emergency reserve. This could be a mix of cash, liquid mutual funds, and short-term debt funds.

A sufficient emergency fund provides a buffer without disrupting your main investment portfolio.
It ensures that you won’t need to liquidate assets in unfavorable market conditions.
Healthcare Planning

Without dependents, healthcare planning is crucial to address any unforeseen medical expenses. Consider a robust health insurance policy to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

If you already have health insurance, evaluate the coverage for adequacy.
Top-up plans can provide extra protection without a large increase in premiums.
Finally

Your retirement plan appears well-structured with diversified investments, yet a few refinements could ensure financial security. By consolidating your portfolio for income generation and stability, you can enjoy a comfortable and financially independent retirement.

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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