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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1410 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on May 01, 2024

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 - Apr 22, 2024Hindi
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Relationship

Hello I am 38Yrs old and married for over 10years. One year back i discovered about my wife getting involved with another man. I was shattered as we have two kids. I initially thought of straight going for divorce but our two kids were always a priority for me and opened up conversation with my wife on what inclined her to take this step. She was shocked that I am aware of her situation. She then opened up that she felt lonely at times when I was away extremely busy with my office and at times she required emotional support for which I was not there. I explained her no reason in this world can explain her act. She felt apologetic and I decided to give another chance to our relationship keeping in mind our kids future. Its now more than an year and our physical/emotional relation have intensified since the incident. We miss each other when I am away and get into steamy conversations to compensate whenever we are distant. Despite of this I still cannot take the past out of my mind and at times it disturbs me. I feel really cheap that despite of moving ahead in our life's why I still keep bringing the past in between our relation. Although I don't discuss anymore about the incident with my wife but she can very well sense the reason when I feel disturbed. I want your help on how to best overcome of such incidents emotionally and rebuild the lost trust with your partner.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Well, it's your control over the way your mind thinks...
If you want to play upon what's happened, then making up and trying to be in the marriage is going to be a difficult proposition. So, decide how you want to play this? Will you train your mind to look forward and rebuilding the marriage OR do you wish to keep at what's happened and live in the past? This is your choice to make...Of course, you cannot erase what's happened but you can change the way that you feel about it...
So, first make that choice. If you wish to dwell on the past, do know that your relationship will sour sooner than later. If you wish to move things ahead, then:
- rebuild the lost trust by spending more time together
- every time you slip into the past, remind yourself that you made the choice to move ahead
- make a clear and positive image of hwo you want your married life to be and play it up in your mind several times in a day

These are a few ways of changing the way you think about an incident and teaches you to move ahead more in a focused manner. Make a choice and stick by it.

All the best!

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |447 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 18, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 18, 2023Hindi
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Relationship
Hello, Firstly thank for your time, Well I am looking for some guidance regarding my married life, I am 40 yrs old man, married for 9 yrs, with a 7 year old daughter, ours was a love marriage with some ups and downs initially, but with time both of our families became supportive of us and the relationship continued. But 3 years back I caught my wife red handed having an affair with someone who worked for me. This broke me totally, made me feel embarrassed and since then it has been really difficult for me, but what broke me even further was my wife blames me for she taking such decisions in her life, she also shared rumors about me among our common friends, in society where we live behind my back ( I discovered this when I discovered her messages). She keeps blaming me or my family for even the smallest argument that we might have had in our relationship in the past and keeps maintaining the distance with me. Once the affair was discovered I was really upset and we had a huge fight over it, and it had some impact on our daughter ( who was almost 5 then), realizing that it would affect our daughter's life we mutually decided to give the relationship another try for the sake of our daughter and also our families came together to support this decision, now the problem is things aren't the same anymore, I always get a feeling of no regret from my wife and I feel embarrassed about what had happened, this has totally changed me as a person, once a man with lot of hope in life have become a person with no major aspirations in life. My daughter too is very much connected to my wife, this breaks me even more as a man/father. I tried to speak with my wife about this and her only point being I should hear what she feels and I do not understand her feelings etc... I do not understand how to deal with this, can you guide me? I want to become a better version , an example for my daughter again...I feel demotivated. Thanks again.
Ans: i am sorry to hear about the difficult situation that you are facing in your marriage. I would advise you to prioritize your own well-being and seek out support from a mental health professional to help you work through the complex emotions that you are experiencing.

It's understandable that the discovery of your wife's affair had a profound impact on you and your relationship. However, it's important to understand that your wife's decision to cheat was not your fault, and it is not appropriate for her to blame you for her actions. It's also concerning that she has shared rumors about you with others, as this can be a sign of deeper issues within the relationship.

In terms of moving forward, it may be helpful to have an honest and open conversation with your wife about your concerns and feelings. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it's important to communicate your needs and expectations in the relationship. It may also be helpful to seek out couples therapy or marriage counseling to work through these issues and develop strategies for rebuilding trust and intimacy in the relationship.

It's important to remember that you deserve to be in a healthy and respectful relationship, and that it's never too late to work towards improving your current situation. You have the strength and resilience to overcome these challenges, and with the right support and resources, you can become a better version of yourself and a positive example for your daughter.

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1410 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Aug 16, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 09, 2023Hindi
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Relationship
Hi Anu, I am 39 Year Old Male and My wife is 37 years old, we are married for 12 years. We have 2 kids (A Son Aged 9 Years) and a daughter aged (2 years). We had good and bad both times during 12 years of our marriage. However it was my anger on petty issues which lead to multiple quarrels over the period. Last month again we had fight and my wife left home without my or my family knowladge along with both our kids to my in-laws. During this 1 month of seperation i realized my mistakes and are ready to amend it, but my wife lacks trust now. We are not in touch since she has left as she has blocked my number and send me court notice of maintenance also (Ofcourse notice has lot of lies also). No i have understood my family's values and unable to bear such distance from both wife and kids. What my wife is thinking i dont know. Financially i have always kept her happy but due to my quarrels things have gone bad now. Please advice what should be way forward for me and what should i do to bring my family back. PLEASE GUIDE!
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Ego trips have divided the two of you considerably.
Seek the help of an elder member of a family who will act like a go-between and a mediator. He/She must be neutral and unbiased as well.
This helps in having a smooth flow in a conversation between you and your wife where both of you can our in your woes and also be clear on whether either of you want the marriage to continue or not. Also, take into account the children and their welfare as they are very young and any decision taken will impact them in one or many ways.
If this mediation fails, kindly seek the help of a marriage therapist/counselor even this means sharing 'stuff' with a total stranger. Most often that stranger will be the person to facilitate a smooth reconciliation if the couple also wants the same.

All the best!

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1410 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Sep 05, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 03, 2023Hindi
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Relationship
Hi, I am married for 10yrs with 2 kids. Suddenly I discovered my wife is having a relation with another man. I was devastated but rather than revealing I am aware I rather recalled all the good moments we had. She decided to part ways with another man still I wanted to know what prompted her so went into an open discussion with my wife knowing she already parted ways. She was shocked to know that I am aware but then she revealed she was emotionally down for last 6months and I was occupied with work. As I am emotionally attached with my kids and wife I decided to carry on and rather our love went more intense since the incident. Every now and then I still doubt and fail to maintain the same level of trust which I should. Please guide how I can maintain more stronger trust.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Yes, incidents like these can make you lose trust especially now when you will start to doubt her every move, every action or inaction.
You seem to be a person who has chosen to see the goodness (that's amazing) in your relationship and wants to continue in the marriage. But for this to happen effectively, the trust has to be rebuilt all over again. As a couple, talk about this...share with your wife when you have bouts of doubts BUT don't ever get into the mode where she needs to explain or prove herself every single day.

If she has realized what has been missing in the marriage that made her step outside of it, then the two of you can spend time bringing life back into the marriage.
Ask her: How can I connect with you emotionally where you feel safe and secure?
Do a lot of activities together that will help the two of you reconnect!

Either you trust OR you don't...there's no in-between...so if you two have decided to give your relationship another chance, focus on how to rebuild the connection and how to care for one another even more than before!

All the best!

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1410 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 22, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Hi Anu, I am a guy 45, married and with 2 lovely children. My wife and I have great relationship from the time of love marriage. I love her a lot and as a family all is great financially, emotionally. It does seem to be like a perfect family anyone can ask for. During dating she was she was flirting with others but after all our love and commitment we moved ahead. She has this nature of seeking attention from others and I was ok as long as it was harmless. After our first child, I know it must be difficult for her as a new mother etc but I caught her with her colleague, they were having affair for 1.5 years. she regretted her decision and I forgive her. I gave her more attention and we continued, she shows all the love and affection and I know in my heart she loved me a lot as I do the same. All was good, we had a second child and the pregnancy and post pregnancy was happy. She has been very happy and giving her all to the family. Our relationship was very good from every angle. yet again she had a one night stand and also another affair. This time i was heard broken. She is independent, she earns well and better than me of which I am proud of. If she is unhappy with the relationship and marriage, i am happy if she is wants to move on for her good. But she repented again and says he cannot live without me and that she only loves me. If there is so much love I am unable to understand why she is looking elsewhere. I have asked her to make me understand but she has no answer. I have forgiven her as my love for her is a lot and I know she does love me too and we continue our marriage... but I am unable to figure out this nature and for her and myself I want to understand what can be done. I am lost.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I can see that it is very unsettling for you. It might have been a huge deal to know that your wife has been vying for attention outside of marriage and also indulging in the physical angle as well.
It's possible that she is getting used to your being okay with the entire thing and just adapting to it that there has been no thought on how she can change the way that she is. Since you have forgiven her, there is nothing that needs to change in her...that's the message that you are implying to her.

She possibly is just exploring and trying new things for herself, she is looking for validation and attention outside...the reasons could be many...wandering is only an indication of something that we are not happy with within ourselves or in our lives...If you want your situation to change, I would strongly recommend Couples Therapy to unearth what exactly is happening. It might give both of you some perspective and since there's love still within the marriage, things might actually fall in place quickly.

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7355 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 26, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 40 years old female.My monthly income is 75000 and the income of my husband is 87000. I have home loan emi of 40000 and personal loan of 20000. My mutual fund amount is 28000 monthly.I have a daughter of 9 years.For her education ssj is of 60000 yearly (corpus amount of 6.5 lakh).I invested 25k in pf monthly (husband+wife ). Already 40 lakh is deposited in pf account. How to invest to get an account of 10 crore at the age of 60 years?
Ans: You are in a good position with a combined income of Rs. 1,62,000 per month. Your financial discipline with consistent investments is admirable. However, you have home loan and personal loan liabilities, which need to be considered when planning for long-term wealth creation. Let’s look at the current picture and devise a strategy to accumulate a corpus of Rs. 10 crore by age 60.

Income and Liabilities
Monthly Income: Rs. 75,000 (yours) + Rs. 87,000 (husband) = Rs. 1,62,000
Home Loan EMI: Rs. 40,000
Personal Loan EMI: Rs. 20,000
The total EMI outflow is Rs. 60,000 per month, which is a significant portion of your income. Paying off these loans as soon as possible should be one of your priorities, especially the personal loan. Personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than home loans, which means they drain more from your monthly budget.

Current Investments
Mutual Fund SIPs: Rs. 28,000 per month
It's excellent that you're consistently investing in mutual funds. However, the investment amount might not be enough to achieve your Rs. 10 crore goal within the given time frame.

Provident Fund (PF) Contributions: Rs. 25,000 per month (husband + wife)
You already have Rs. 40 lakh in your PF account, which is a great start. However, PF typically offers lower returns compared to equity-based investments, and relying too heavily on PF alone may not help achieve your ambitious goal of Rs. 10 crore.

Daughter’s Education Fund: Rs. 60,000 per year (corpus of Rs. 6.5 lakh)
Education expenses are an essential goal to secure your daughter’s future. It's crucial to invest this corpus wisely to ensure it grows over time, especially as education costs rise.

Goal of Rs. 10 Crore by Age 60
To reach Rs. 10 crore by the time you are 60 years old, you need to invest systematically in a portfolio that offers higher growth potential. Given that you have 20 years to build this corpus, equity-based instruments should be the core of your investment strategy.

Key Considerations
Loan Repayment
Paying off the home loan and personal loan is critical. As mentioned, personal loans have high-interest rates, so it’s better to clear this liability first. Home loans typically have lower interest rates, so they can be tackled later.

Monthly Investment Capacity
After clearing the loans, you will have more disposable income that can be channelized into investments. With your current income and considering the existing commitments, you are already investing a significant amount in mutual funds. Once the loans are cleared, this amount can be increased for higher growth.

Investment Strategy to Achieve Rs. 10 Crore
Step 1: Prioritize Loan Repayment
Personal Loan:
Pay off this loan as quickly as possible. Once this EMI is cleared, you will have Rs. 20,000 available for reinvestment each month.
Home Loan:
Although this EMI is higher, focus on making accelerated payments with any surplus funds after clearing the personal loan.
Step 2: Increase Monthly Investment in Mutual Funds
Current SIP Allocation: Rs. 28,000 per month
While you’re investing in mutual funds, the current SIP amount might not be enough to reach Rs. 10 crore. You should aim to gradually increase your SIP as your loan liabilities reduce. Here’s how you can proceed:

Increase SIP Post Loan Repayment: After paying off the personal loan and reducing the home loan EMI, you can redirect the freed-up funds into SIPs. For instance, if you allocate the Rs. 20,000 currently spent on the personal loan towards SIPs, you can increase your monthly SIP to Rs. 48,000 (Rs. 28,000 + Rs. 20,000).

Long-Term SIP Increase: As your income grows and your expenses reduce, try to increase the SIP amount by another Rs. 10,000-20,000 over the next few years.

Step 3: Diversify Mutual Fund Portfolio
Mid-cap and Small-cap Funds:
You already have exposure to equity markets, which is great. To maximize returns over the long term, focus on a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Mid-cap and small-cap funds have higher risk, but they can potentially yield higher returns over the long term.

Hybrid and Balanced Advantage Funds:
These funds can offer a good mix of equity and debt, ensuring some stability to your portfolio. It would be ideal to allocate around 20-30% of your SIP towards these funds, especially during market volatility.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds:
Depending on your risk tolerance, you can add a small portion (5-10%) of sectoral funds like technology, FMCG, or healthcare. These funds can potentially outperform the broader market, but they come with higher risk.

Step 4: Increase Provident Fund Contributions
While PF is a safe investment, it offers lower returns compared to equity-based investments. However, since you already have a substantial amount in PF (Rs. 40 lakh), increasing your PF contributions gradually can be part of your strategy to secure a part of your retirement corpus.

Diversify PF Investments:
Although PF provides fixed returns, you can consider diversifying some portion of your retirement savings into other tax-advantaged options like National Pension System (NPS). NPS offers exposure to equity markets along with tax benefits.
Step 5: Invest in Tax-Advantaged Accounts
You may want to explore additional tax-saving instruments such as:

National Pension System (NPS):
NPS can be a good addition to your portfolio for retirement savings, especially because it offers tax deductions and exposure to equity markets. NPS also allows you to accumulate wealth while reducing your taxable income.

ELSS Funds:
Consider allocating a portion of your mutual fund investments towards Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) for tax benefits under Section 80C.

Step 6: Asset Allocation
To achieve long-term goals like a Rs. 10 crore corpus, your asset allocation should heavily favor equity, with about 60-70% invested in equity mutual funds (mid, small, and large-cap). You can keep 15-20% in hybrid or balanced advantage funds, and the remaining 10-15% can be in debt instruments or tax-saving funds.

Step 7: Regular Portfolio Rebalancing
Rebalancing:
Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio. If a particular fund has underperformed or become too volatile, consider shifting your allocation to better-performing funds.

Monitor Performance:
Regularly check the performance of your mutual fund investments. Based on the market conditions, you may need to make adjustments to your portfolio to maximize returns.

Step 8: Additional Investments
Other Options:
If you have additional savings after increasing your SIP and clearing the loans, you can consider diversifying into gold, international equity funds, or debt funds for stability.
Final Insights
You are on a strong path with disciplined investments, but to reach your goal of Rs. 10 crore by age 60, you will need to increase your investment significantly, especially in mutual funds. Prioritize clearing your loans, then focus on increasing your SIP amounts. A diversified portfolio with an emphasis on mid-cap, small-cap, and hybrid funds will help you achieve the required growth. Regular portfolio reviews, coupled with a disciplined approach, will ensure that you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7355 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 26, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 50 years old and planning to retire this year. My liabilities include : 1) Higher education of my daughter and Son 2) Their marriage My assets include: 1) One house worth 10 crore plus rental income of 30000/- per month 2) Second house due for completion worth 2.5 cr 3) AIF worth 1.5 cr 4) FDs worth 40 lakhs 5) Equity holding worth 1.5 cr 6) MF worth 70 Lakhs with SIP of 40000/- per month going on 7) Mediclaim cover of 50 lakhs 8) Ppf worth 30 lakhs 9) Life insurance policies worth with 2 cr life cover Going forward how should I plan my portfolio growth and regular income
Ans: At 50, your priorities include securing retirement income, meeting your children’s goals, and growing your wealth. Here’s a detailed plan to achieve these goals while maintaining financial stability and peace of mind.

Current Financial Strengths
Diversified Asset Base
Your portfolio includes real estate, equity, mutual funds, and fixed deposits.
Assets like AIF, PPF, and life insurance offer additional diversification.
Stable Rental Income
Rs 30,000 monthly rental income provides a consistent cash flow.
Comprehensive Health and Life Cover
Mediclaim of Rs 50 lakh ensures healthcare expenses are well-covered.
Life insurance of Rs 2 crore protects your family’s financial future.
Areas for Improvement
Overexposure to Real Estate
A significant portion of your wealth is locked in illiquid assets like real estate.
Rental income may not grow in line with inflation.
Insufficient Liquidity
While you have a large asset base, liquid cash for immediate needs seems limited.
Need for Inflation-Adjusted Income
With retirement ahead, ensuring inflation-adjusted income is critical.
Recommendations for Portfolio Growth
Consolidate Real Estate Holdings
Consider selling the second house after completion to unlock liquidity.
Redeploy proceeds into financial instruments for better returns and liquidity.
Increase Exposure to Mutual Funds
Allocate funds from real estate or AIF into actively managed equity funds.
Focus on large-cap and balanced advantage funds for stable, long-term growth.
Strengthen Debt Portfolio
Increase allocation to debt mutual funds for stable returns and capital safety.
Ensure liquidity through short-term debt funds or fixed-income instruments.
Planning for Children’s Goals
Higher Education
Use proceeds from fixed deposits and PPF for education expenses.
These are low-risk instruments suitable for short- to medium-term needs.
Marriage Expenses
Start a targeted investment plan for marriages using balanced advantage funds.
Gradually move these funds to safer options as the events near.
Securing Regular Retirement Income
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Set up SWPs from mutual fund investments for steady monthly income.
This provides tax-efficient cash flow while preserving capital.
Rental Income
Retain rental income as part of your overall income strategy.
Consider enhancing property value to increase rental yield.
PPF and FDs
Use PPF maturity and FD interest for emergency funds or specific short-term needs.
Addressing Tax Efficiency
Equity Mutual Funds
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh will be taxed at 12.5%.
Systematic withdrawals from mutual funds should consider tax implications.
Debt Mutual Funds
Gains from debt funds will be taxed as per your income tax slab.
Insurance and Contingency Planning
Maintain Adequate Health Cover
Rs 50 lakh mediclaim is sufficient for now.
Reassess based on inflation in healthcare costs.
Life Insurance Review
Your life cover seems adequate for liabilities.
Ensure policies remain active until critical liabilities are settled.
Optimising Asset Allocation
Suggested Allocation Strategy
Equity Funds: 40% of the portfolio for long-term growth.
Debt Instruments: 40% for stability and regular income.
Liquid Funds: 10% for emergencies.
Other Investments: 10% in alternative assets like AIF or gold.
Periodic Review
Review your portfolio annually with a Certified Financial Planner.
Adjust allocation as per changing market conditions and personal needs.
Final Insights
Your financial situation is strong and diversified. Focus on enhancing liquidity, reducing real estate exposure, and optimising your asset allocation. A disciplined and well-planned strategy will ensure a secure and comfortable retirement while meeting your family’s needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7355 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 25, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I need your feedback on my current investment. I am 38yrs old. These are my current investment and need to know where I should invest more for mid term and long term goal LIC - 5000 each for me and wife every month MF - SBI magnum midcap - INR 5000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL BLUECHIP - INR 3000 Motilal Oswal Midcap - INR 2000 Parag Parikh Flexi cap - INR 3000 Quant Small Cap - INR 2000 PPF - 2000
Ans: Your investment strategy covers a mix of LIC policies, mutual funds, and PPF. It's great that you're diversifying your investments and considering long-term growth. Below is an evaluation of your current portfolio:

Life Insurance Policies (LIC)
Premiums: Rs. 5,000 each for you and your wife per month.
While life insurance is necessary, the LIC policies you have may not be the best investment vehicles. These policies often offer lower returns compared to other financial instruments like mutual funds. The key issue is the combination of insurance and investment, which generally doesn't provide enough growth potential.
If the life cover is adequate, you might consider reducing your LIC investment and reallocating funds into mutual funds, which offer better growth potential and liquidity.

Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your current mutual fund investments are a balanced mix of different types of funds. Here’s a breakdown:

SBI Magnum Midcap (Rs. 5,000):
A good choice for medium to long-term growth, as midcap funds have the potential to deliver strong returns over time. Midcap stocks tend to outperform large caps during bull markets. However, they come with more volatility. This fund can be kept as part of your portfolio for growth over 5-10 years.

ICICI Prudential Bluechip (Rs. 3,000):
Large-cap funds, such as this one, are generally stable and low-risk. This is a good choice to ensure that a portion of your portfolio remains stable. Bluechip stocks usually provide regular returns, although not as aggressive as midcap or small-cap funds.

Motilal Oswal Midcap (Rs. 2,000):
Another midcap fund is a good strategy for diversification. However, your overall midcap allocation (Rs. 7,000) is on the higher side for your risk profile. You might want to reduce the midcap exposure slightly and balance it with large-cap or hybrid funds.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap (Rs. 3,000):
A flexible-cap fund is an excellent option. It provides flexibility in investing across different market caps, including large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. This allows you to benefit from growth across market segments. You can consider increasing the allocation to this fund to help enhance your portfolio's growth.

Quant Small Cap (Rs. 2,000):
Small-cap funds have the potential for high returns but come with high volatility. A small allocation in a small-cap fund is acceptable, but you should be cautious about increasing this exposure. Small-cap stocks are riskier and can lead to significant short-term losses.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Contribution: Rs. 2,000 per month.
PPF is an excellent low-risk, long-term investment option, providing tax benefits under Section 80C and a fixed interest rate. Given that you are investing for the long term, the PPF will complement your equity investments by offering stability and tax-free returns. However, the growth is relatively slow compared to mutual funds, so it should remain a small portion of your portfolio.

Where Should You Invest More?
To achieve your mid-term and long-term financial goals, it's important to balance your investments between equity (for growth) and fixed-income instruments (for stability). Below are some suggestions:

Mid-Term Goals (5-7 Years)
Increase Allocation in Hybrid Funds

Consider investing in hybrid or balanced advantage funds. These funds invest in both equity and debt, offering a mix of growth and stability. Hybrid funds are less volatile than pure equity funds and provide better returns than traditional debt instruments.
Increase Exposure to Large-Cap Funds

Since your current large-cap exposure is limited, you may want to allocate an additional Rs. 3,000-5,000 towards large-cap funds. Large-cap funds provide steady growth and will balance out the risk in your portfolio, especially when mid-cap and small-cap funds experience volatility.
Consider Debt Funds for Stability

You might want to consider adding a small portion of debt funds (Rs. 3,000-5,000) to provide stability to your portfolio. Debt funds are lower risk and will help smoothen the overall volatility, especially in periods of market uncertainty.
Increase SIP in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap

This is a well-diversified fund that can help you gain exposure to a range of market caps. You may want to increase your allocation in this fund to further enhance long-term growth potential.
Long-Term Goals (7+ Years)
Continue SIP in Midcap and Small Cap Funds

Midcap and small-cap funds can provide excellent returns over the long term. However, these funds are more volatile, so it’s crucial to maintain a diversified portfolio. Consider maintaining your current allocation, but do not increase it significantly.
Review Asset Allocation Every Year

As you approach your long-term goals, review your asset allocation periodically. Over time, as you accumulate wealth and reach different financial milestones, you might want to shift towards more stable investments like large-cap and hybrid funds.
Increase Investment in PPF

While equity investments offer higher returns, the guaranteed returns of PPF can be a good hedge against market volatility. You can consider increasing your PPF contribution gradually as your income grows.
Focus on Retirement Planning

You should start planning for your retirement with more focus. For this, consider investing in instruments like NPS (National Pension System) or other retirement-specific funds. These provide long-term wealth accumulation with tax benefits.
Rebalancing the Portfolio
Risk Assessment: You have a higher allocation in midcap and small-cap funds, which increases the volatility of your portfolio. For your risk profile, it is essential to balance this by increasing your exposure to large-cap, hybrid, and debt funds. This will smoothen your portfolio’s returns and reduce risk.

Diversification: While your fund selection is relatively diversified, there is still room for improvement. You may want to add a few more funds in the international equity space or other sectors like FMCG, pharma, or technology, depending on your risk tolerance.

Avoiding Overexposure to LIC Policies
As mentioned earlier, LIC policies are often a combination of insurance and investment. While they provide life cover, the returns are typically lower than those of mutual funds. If you have sufficient life cover from other sources, consider reducing the premium amount for LIC and reallocating the funds towards equity mutual funds for better returns over the long term.

Final Insights
You are on the right track with your investments, but a few tweaks can help you achieve your financial goals more efficiently. By diversifying your portfolio further, increasing exposure to large-cap funds, and considering hybrid funds for mid-term goals, you can ensure a balanced approach for growth and stability. Continue investing regularly, keep reviewing your portfolio, and increase your SIP contributions as your income grows.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7355 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

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Money
I am 44. I am investing in 7 SIPS Total of 27100 as Below - Motiwal Oswal Midcap 5k, Parah Parikh Flexi cap 5K, HDFC Mid-cap opportunities 3100, Canara Robeco Mid-cap 4k, mahindra Munulife Mid-cap 2k, JM Flexicap 2K, ICICI Prudential Bluechip 4K, Nippon India Small Cap 2k. what should I do more to get 2 Crores by the end of 2035?
Ans: You are investing Rs 27,100 across a mix of mid-cap, flexi-cap, small-cap, and large-cap funds. With your goal of Rs 2 crore by 2035, your portfolio needs alignment with return expectations and risk management. Let's assess your portfolio and make recommendations for improvement.

Key Observations on Your Existing Investments
Strengths
Diversified Approach: Your investments span multiple fund categories, reducing risk concentration.

Consistent Contributions: SIPs ensure disciplined investing and benefit from rupee cost averaging.

Equity Focus: Allocating to mid-cap, flexi-cap, and small-cap funds provides long-term growth potential.

Weaknesses
Overlapping Funds: Investing in multiple funds within the same category (mid-cap) may create redundancy.

Potential Overexposure: High allocation to mid-cap and small-cap funds increases portfolio volatility.

Underallocation to Large-Cap: Large-cap funds provide stability, especially as you approach your goal.

Recommendations to Improve Your Portfolio
Optimise Fund Selection
Reduce Mid-Cap Overlap: Consolidate mid-cap investments to 1-2 high-performing funds.

Enhance Large-Cap Allocation: Increase your allocation to large-cap funds for stability.

Diversify into Hybrid Funds: Include hybrid funds to balance equity risks with debt stability.

Increase SIP Amount
Step-Up SIPs Annually: Gradually increase your SIP amount by 10-15% each year.

Top-Up Contributions: Allocate any bonuses or windfall gains towards investments.

Long-Term Investment Discipline
Stay Invested: Maintain a long-term horizon to benefit from compounding.

Avoid Frequent Changes: Stick to your plan and review the portfolio annually.

Taxation Considerations
Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%. STCG is taxed at 20%.

Rebalancing Impact: Consider tax implications when consolidating or switching funds.

Steps to Achieve Rs 2 Crore Goal
Consolidate Mid-Cap Funds

Retain the best-performing mid-cap fund based on past performance and consistency.
Redeploy funds from overlapping schemes into large-cap and hybrid funds.
Enhance SIP Allocation

Target a SIP amount of Rs 35,000-40,000 to ensure meeting the goal.
Adjust the amount periodically based on your income growth.
Diversify Portfolio

Add one large-cap fund and a balanced advantage fund to your portfolio.
Consider a debt fund to create stability and liquidity.
Monitor and Rebalance

Review your portfolio annually with a Certified Financial Planner.
Ensure the portfolio remains aligned with your risk tolerance and goals.
Final Insights
Achieving Rs 2 crore by 2035 is realistic with a well-structured strategy. Focus on optimising your portfolio, increasing SIP amounts, and maintaining discipline. Seek professional advice to regularly evaluate and adjust your portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7355 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

Money
Hello Sir OR Madam , I am 40 years old self employed , here are my financial status Loan around Business loan -16 lacs 30 K , Mortgage loan -25 Lacs (Flat value is 40 lacs presently ,Monthly business income around 1-2 lacs , Investments are around 1-2 lacs per year Including LIC and SIP , Now how can i plan to exit from the loans and can give a better future to my childrens , I want to retire at the age of 50.
Ans: You are in a position where you have some challenges but also significant opportunities. As a self-employed individual, you are managing both business and mortgage loans. Your current business income is Rs. 1-2 lakh per month, but it may fluctuate, which calls for better planning and discipline to ensure a stable financial future.

Business Loan: Rs. 16.3 lakh
Mortgage Loan: Rs. 25 lakh
Property Value: Rs. 40 lakh
Monthly Business Income: Rs. 1-2 lakh
Investments: Around Rs. 1-2 lakh per year, including LIC and SIP.
Step 1: Paying Off the Loans
Your primary goal is to get rid of these loans and build wealth for the future. It is essential to focus on loan repayment while continuing to invest for your children’s future and your retirement. Here’s a structured approach:

Prioritize Loan Repayment
Business Loan: Your business loan of Rs. 16.3 lakh is significant, and its repayment should be prioritized. However, since it is a business loan, the repayment should be balanced against the growth of your business. Review the loan tenure and interest rate. If the loan has a high interest rate, try to make prepayments to reduce the principal.

Mortgage Loan: The mortgage loan of Rs. 25 lakh is tied to your flat, which is worth Rs. 40 lakh. Since this is your home, maintaining this loan balance might be less urgent than the business loan, but it still requires focus. Aim to pay down the mortgage loan more aggressively as soon as the business loan is cleared.

Loan Prepayment Strategy
Start Small, Scale Up: Begin by making small, consistent prepayments towards both loans. With a monthly income of Rs. 1-2 lakh, allocate a percentage towards loan repayment each month. As your income increases or becomes stable, you can increase the prepayment amount.

Emergency Fund: Keep an emergency fund aside, preferably of around Rs. 3-4 lakh, so that you don't need to dip into your savings or loans during difficult months. This can also provide a safety net for your business.

Refinance or Consolidate
Loan Restructuring: If your loans carry high-interest rates, consider refinancing. This can lower your EMIs or interest burden. Consolidating your loans into a single loan can also reduce monthly outflows.

Asset Sale: Since the value of your flat is Rs. 40 lakh, assess if selling or downsizing is a viable option to pay off loans, particularly the mortgage loan. If you have spare assets or investments, consider liquidating them to clear off high-interest debt.

Step 2: Investment Planning
You are already investing around Rs. 1-2 lakh per year, including SIPs and LIC. However, since your primary objective is to clear loans and secure your children's future, here’s how to adjust your investment strategy.

Focus on Equity Mutual Funds
Invest in Actively Managed Funds: Since you are self-employed and have variable income, it's essential to create a portfolio that can withstand market fluctuations. Invest in actively managed funds that provide better flexibility compared to index funds. These funds can outperform in volatile markets and ensure long-term growth.

Increase SIP Contributions: You can slowly increase your SIP contributions as your income increases or as you start paying off the loans. Since your retirement target is at 50, you have a 10-year horizon to build your corpus for retirement. Start with Rs. 10,000-15,000 per month, and increase it progressively.

Children's Future
Education Fund: Your children's education is one of your top priorities. It is crucial to start saving for their education as early as possible. Focus on SIPs in equity funds with a horizon of 12-15 years.

Start a Child-Centric Fund: Consider opening a separate SIP account for your children's future expenses. You can invest in a combination of equity and hybrid funds that align with their education and marriage goals.

Retirement Planning
PPF & NPS: For retirement, it is important to take advantage of tax-efficient options like PPF and NPS (National Pension Scheme). While you are self-employed and don’t have access to EPF, NPS is a good option to build a retirement corpus. Invest in both PPF and NPS regularly. They will not only help you accumulate wealth but also provide tax benefits.

Create a Balanced Portfolio: Allocate your retirement savings into a diversified portfolio of equity, debt, and hybrid funds. This will provide growth potential along with stability.

Risk Management
Life Insurance: Ensure you have adequate life insurance coverage for yourself and your family. This will protect your family in case of an unfortunate event and provide them with financial security. If you already have LIC policies, check if the coverage is adequate, and align them with your current needs.

Health Insurance: Also, ensure that you have comprehensive health insurance coverage for your family. This is crucial to avoid dipping into your savings or retirement funds in case of medical emergencies.

Step 3: Retirement at 50
You want to retire by 50, which gives you 10 years to build your corpus. This is achievable with the right focus and planning.

Debt-free by 50: If you focus on paying off the loans aggressively over the next few years, you should be free of debt by the time you retire. This will reduce your expenses and provide a stable foundation for your retirement.

Build a Retirement Corpus: By contributing consistently to your retirement savings, you should aim for a corpus that can generate monthly income equivalent to your current expenses. Once your children are financially independent, you will have fewer responsibilities, and the amount required for monthly living will reduce.

Post-Retirement Income: Upon retiring, focus on systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) in equity and hybrid mutual funds. This will help you generate regular income while allowing your capital to grow.

Final Insights
Your financial journey is a balancing act between clearing debts, building savings for the future, and ensuring your children’s well-being. By focusing on loan repayment and gradually increasing your investments in mutual funds, you can achieve your financial goals.

Your retirement at 50 is achievable, but you will need to adopt a disciplined approach towards debt reduction and investment growth. Prioritize clearing high-interest loans and consistently investing for long-term wealth creation.

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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