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45k salary to 1 Crore: How long will it take?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10111 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Joyprakash Question by Joyprakash on Jun 21, 2024Hindi
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Money

My monthly income is 45000. How to achieve 1 Crore. How much time is required

Ans: Current Financial Situation

You have a monthly income of Rs. 45,000.

Your goal is to achieve a corpus of Rs. 1 crore.

Setting a Realistic Timeline

Achieving Rs. 1 crore requires disciplined saving and investing.

The timeline depends on your savings rate and investment returns.

Higher returns can shorten the timeline.

Monthly Savings and Investments

You need to save and invest a portion of your income.

Aim to save at least 20-30% of your income monthly.

This means setting aside Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 13,500 each month.

Choosing the Right Investments

Mutual funds are a good option for long-term growth.

Consider equity mutual funds for higher returns.

Equity funds can offer 10-12% returns over the long term.

Avoiding Index Funds

Index funds track the market passively.

They lack active management, which can limit returns.

Actively managed funds can outperform and offer better growth.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds seem cheaper but require more effort.

Regular funds, through a Certified Financial Planner, offer professional management.

They provide tailored advice and ongoing support.

Benefits of SIPs

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) help in disciplined investing.

They allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly.

SIPs average out market volatility over time.

Calculating the Time Required

If you invest Rs. 10,000 per month in equity funds with 10% returns:

You can achieve Rs. 1 crore in about 15-18 years.

This is a simplified estimate and can vary.

Diversifying Investments

Don’t put all your money in one type of investment.

Diversify between equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

This reduces risk and balances returns.

Tax Efficiency

Invest in tax-efficient instruments to maximize returns.

Equity mutual funds have favorable tax treatment.

Long-term capital gains are taxed at a lower rate.

Monitoring and Adjusting

Review your investments regularly.

Adjust your portfolio based on performance and goals.

Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.

Final Insights

Achieving Rs. 1 crore requires disciplined saving and investing.

Start early, choose the right investments, and stay committed.

A diversified portfolio and professional guidance can help you reach your goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - Jul 29, 2024 | Answered on Jul 29, 2024
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Ok. Thank you sir
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10111 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 23 years at present.I work in pvt.bank and my in hand salary is 11k and I invested per month 6k (sip).So what should my goal towards 1 crore. Please guide
Ans: It's commendable that you're already thinking about long-term financial goals at a young age. Building wealth and achieving a target like 1 crore is definitely achievable with the right approach and discipline. Here's a guide to help you:
1. Define Your Goal:
• Specify your financial goal clearly: In this case, it's accumulating 1 crore.
• Determine the time horizon: Since you're starting early, you have the advantage of time. Let's assume you aim to achieve this goal by the time you retire, say around age 60.
2. Calculate Required Monthly Investment:
• Use a financial calculator or online SIP calculator to estimate the monthly investment required to reach 1 crore by age 60.
• Consider factors like expected rate of return, inflation, and investment duration.
• Since you're investing 6,000 per month currently, you'll need to gradually increase this amount over time to reach your goal.
3. Choose Suitable Investments:
• Opt for diversified investment options that align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.
• Equity mutual funds, especially those with a long-term growth focus, can be ideal for wealth accumulation over the long run due to their potential for higher returns.
• Consider starting with equity mutual funds with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to spread risk and maximize growth potential.
4. Stay Disciplined and Patient:
• Consistency is key. Stick to your investment plan and continue investing regularly, even during market downturns.
• Reinvest dividends and avoid the temptation to withdraw funds prematurely.
• Monitor your investments periodically and make adjustments as needed, but avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.
5. Review and Adjust Regularly:
• Periodically review your investment portfolio and track your progress towards your goal.
• Adjust your investment strategy and monthly contribution if needed, especially as your income increases over time.
• Keep yourself updated on financial news and market trends to make informed decisions.
6. Seek Professional Advice:
• Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can help create a personalized financial plan tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation.
• They can provide valuable guidance and support to ensure you stay on track towards achieving your goal of accumulating 1 crore.
Remember, achieving financial goals like accumulating 1 crore requires patience, discipline, and a long-term perspective. By starting early and staying committed to your investment plan, you're laying a solid foundation for a secure financial future. Keep investing and stay focused on your goal!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10111 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 28 years old. I am earning 1.2 Lakhs per month. I have 6 lakhs in savings, 1.8 lakhs in mutual funds spread over largecap(8k per month), midcap(4k per month), smallcap(1k per month), flexicap(2k per month), 5 lakhs in PF, 1.8 lakhs in NPS(14k per month), and 1 lakhs in direct stocks. How soon can I achieve 1 Crore wealth? Could you please review and provide me changes I should incorporate?
Ans: At age 28, you are doing well by actively saving, investing, and thinking ahead. You already have a diverse mix of financial assets. Your target of achieving Rs 1 crore wealth is realistic if approached systematically.

Let’s look at your financial profile in depth, and how you can grow your wealth faster, while maintaining financial security.

Current Financial Overview
Let’s first understand what you have built so far:

Your monthly income is Rs 1.2 lakhs.

You have Rs 6 lakhs in savings (probably bank savings or FD).

You are investing monthly in mutual funds:

Rs 8,000 in large-cap funds.

Rs 4,000 in mid-cap funds.

Rs 1,000 in small-cap funds.

Rs 2,000 in flexi-cap funds.

Your PF corpus is Rs 5 lakhs.

Your NPS investment is Rs 1.8 lakhs and you are contributing Rs 14,000 monthly.

You also have Rs 1 lakh invested in direct stocks.

You are showing good financial behaviour. You have not only saved but also invested across different categories. That shows you understand the value of compounding and diversification. Very few 28-year-olds take such disciplined steps.

How Soon You Can Reach Rs 1 Crore
This is the main question. And yes, it’s achievable.

If you only continue your current investments, you can reach Rs 1 crore in about 8 to 10 years.

But if you want to reach it faster—say in 6 to 7 years—you will need to slightly increase your investments and also fine-tune the way your money is allocated.

That’s where we will focus now.

Analysis of Your Mutual Fund Allocation
You are currently investing Rs 15,000 per month across different categories of mutual funds.

But the allocation can be more efficient.

Right now:

Large-cap is getting a majority (Rs 8,000).

Mid-cap is getting Rs 4,000.

Small-cap only Rs 1,000.

Flexi-cap Rs 2,000.

This setup is too skewed towards large-cap. Large-cap funds grow slower than mid-cap or flexi-cap funds.

Flexi-cap and mid-cap have more potential over the long term. You are young and can take moderate risks.

What should be done:

Increase flexi-cap investment to at least Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000.

Increase small-cap SIP to at least Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000.

Mid-cap can be Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000.

Reduce large-cap SIP slightly if needed, or keep it constant.

This will help improve overall growth.

Also, avoid index funds. They just copy the index. If the market goes down, they also go down without any protection. Actively managed funds are better because the fund manager can make adjustments and protect your money.

And most importantly, always go through a Certified Financial Planner and a trusted Mutual Fund Distributor. They can guide you on switching funds, rebalancing, and selecting right options based on market conditions. Direct mutual funds don’t give this kind of support and can lead to mistakes.

Emergency Fund Status
Your Rs 6 lakh savings is a good buffer.

This is your emergency fund. It should cover 4 to 6 months of expenses.

Do not touch this amount for investments. It should stay liquid.

You can put it in a liquid fund or ultra-short debt mutual fund for better returns than a savings account.

This money will help you handle emergencies without touching your SIPs or investments.

NPS Review
You have Rs 1.8 lakhs already in NPS and you are contributing Rs 14,000 monthly.

That’s a good contribution. It gives tax benefits also.

But NPS is for retirement only. You can’t withdraw easily before age 60.

So don’t count it towards short-term goals like Rs 1 crore in 5–6 years.

Still, continue it for long-term wealth and retirement stability.

Make sure your NPS equity allocation is well-balanced. You can opt for higher equity exposure now since you are young.

Provident Fund
Your Rs 5 lakh in PF is another strong pillar.

Treat PF as a long-term safety net. It earns stable returns, though not very high.

Do not use it for short-term targets. Just let it grow quietly in the background.

When planning for Rs 1 crore in 5–6 years, we will not count PF and NPS. That keeps your goal more flexible.

Direct Stock Investment
You have Rs 1 lakh in direct stocks.

That is okay if you are comfortable tracking individual companies.

However, direct stock investing needs knowledge and time.

Mutual funds offer better diversification, more safety, and professional management.

So, if you're not regularly reviewing your stocks, it’s better to shift that amount into mutual funds.

Again, do this through a regular plan under Certified Financial Planner guidance.

This gives better handholding and emotional support during market ups and downs.

Asset Allocation Strategy Going Forward
Now, how can you restructure?

Let’s consider your monthly investable surplus.

If you increase your SIPs by just Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 monthly, you can easily cross Rs 1 crore in 6 to 7 years.

Keep the allocation like this:

Large-cap: Rs 10,000 monthly.

Flexi-cap: Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 monthly.

Mid-cap: Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 monthly.

Small-cap: Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 monthly.

Make sure you invest via regular plan with Certified Financial Planner support.

They will help you switch funds when needed and rebalance your portfolio. Without this guidance, it is easy to panic in market corrections.

What Not To Do
Avoid direct plans of mutual funds. They may seem to save cost, but they don't give proper support.

During bad market phases, you may withdraw at the wrong time.

Regular plans through a qualified Mutual Fund Distributor guided by a CFP help you stay invested and get better results.

Also, don’t increase your direct stock allocation unless you are actively tracking the markets and individual companies.

Stay away from index funds. They simply mirror the index and offer no downside protection. In falling markets, they offer no flexibility.

Always choose actively managed funds where experienced fund managers can shift allocation.

That gives better results over time.

Tax Awareness
When you sell mutual fund units, taxes apply:

For equity mutual funds, long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.

For debt funds, both long and short-term capital gains are taxed as per your income slab.

Keep this in mind while switching or withdrawing.

Your Certified Financial Planner can help you plan exits smartly and minimise taxes.

What Else to Focus On
Apart from your investments, focus on these areas too:

Increase SIPs with every salary hike.

Review your portfolio once a year.

Set specific timelines for goals like car purchase, travel, or retirement.

Don’t delay taking term insurance and health insurance.

Keep your emergency fund untouched.

Use bonuses and increments to boost SIPs or pay off small debts if any.

Avoid unnecessary expenses and increase your savings rate gradually.

Finally
You are doing many things right already. Starting early is your biggest advantage. If you slightly increase your SIPs and re-allocate your funds better, Rs 1 crore wealth is very much achievable in 6–7 years.

Avoid index funds and direct mutual funds. Stick to regular plans under the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner. That gives you the emotional support and portfolio advice needed to stay on course.

Keep your NPS and PF untouched for long-term retirement safety. Continue your mutual fund investments with rising SIP amounts. Use your emergency fund only for real emergencies. Track your progress every quarter.

With discipline and yearly reviews, your wealth creation journey will stay strong and successful.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9840 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 03, 2025Hindi
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Hi sir, Is ms Ramaiah better than dayanand sagar university harohalli for aerospace plz reply sir
Ans: MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology’s Aerospace Engineering program at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology is NAAC A+–accredited with a NIRF rank in the 151–200 band for universities, offering a rigorous four-year curriculum developed in collaboration with industry, supported by well-equipped labs including wind tunnels and UAV testing facilities, and staffed by doctoral faculty active in research. Its autonomous Training and Placement Department secures roles for approximately 95% of aerospace graduates with recruiters such as Boeing, L&T, and Honeywell, and provides robust soft-skill workshops, mentorship, and career guidance. Dayananda Sagar University Harohalli’s B.Tech in Aerospace features NAAC A+ accreditation, a dedicated Department of Aerospace with senior faculty from IITs and NITs, modern avionics, propulsion, and CAD/CAM labs, plus research projects in UAVs and composites. It boasts a 100% placement rate in 2024 with over 450 recruiters including Capgemini and Airbus, and emphasizes student support through counselling, study circles, and incubation opportunities. Both institutions excel, but MSRIT’s stronger national ranking, industry-integrated research initiatives, and extensive placement infrastructure provide a broader platform for academic and professional growth.

RECOMMENDATION: MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology is the better choice for aerospace engineering due to its superior national ranking, interdisciplinary research collaborations, high-end facilities, and a proven 95% placement consistency, while Dayananda Sagar Harohalli remains a strong alternative for guaranteed placements and focused lab experiences. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9840 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 03, 2025

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Dear Sir/Madam, I have asked below question on July 12 2025... but no response yet .. Could you pls kindly help & suggest at the earliest - Which is better option : B.E Chemical engineering in BITS Pilani (Pilani campus) plus minor in Material Science/chemistry OR B.Tech in (a) Dyestuff and Intermediates (Speciality chemicals) or (b)Pharmaceuticals Chemistry & Technology from ICT Mumbai(Matunga). I have very clear focus of doing Phd in Organic Chemistry(either in US or Europe) and enter the corporate world of Pharmaceuticals/Agrochemicals/F&F/Speciality chemicals/Performance Chemicals.. Pls suggest at the earliest. Thanks!
Ans: Hardik, BITS Pilani’s Chemical Engineering program, established in 1964, combines a rigorous core curriculum with practice-school internships and offers a minor in Materials Science or Chemistry to deepen your understanding of advanced topics like nanochemistry and solid-state chemistry. The department emphasizes interdisciplinary research, maintains modern pilot-plant and analytical laboratories, and supports direct Ph.D. pathways with institute fellowships and global collaborations in catalysis, polymer engineering, and organic reaction engineering. Placements are robust, with over 90% B.E. Chemical graduates securing roles in core and related sectors, and Practice School guarantees two internships by the seventh semester. Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai’s Dyestuff & Intermediates and Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Technology branches deliver highly specialized curricula in process chemistry, formulation, and quality control, with dedicated labs for colorant synthesis or drug design and strong industry partnerships with Glenmark, ISRO, and Indian Oil. ICT Mumbai holds NAAC A++ accreditation, records median B.Tech package of ?8 LPA, and places over 90% of dyestuff graduates in R&D and production roles, while its M.Tech programs in pharmaceutical chemistry maintain over 95% placements in research and regulatory sectors. Both institutions excel in faculty expertise and facility quality but BITS Pilani’s interdisciplinary research culture, minority thesis options, and integrated Ph.D. fellowship opportunities provide a stronger foundation for an organic-chemistry doctorate, whereas ICT’s niche programs offer immediate industry alignment in specialty chemicals.

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