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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6199 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 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
sumit Question by sumit on Jun 28, 2024Hindi
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Hi, my name is Sumit and I am 32 years old IT professional. My and my wife's combined income is 2.08 lakh per month. Our home loan is running at 65k monthly emi. Currently i have 2 SIPs which are 5k in Elss and 5k in Flexi cap. Can you suggest best investment plan in which we can save as much as possible and maintain life style as well.

Ans: Sumit. Your combined monthly income is Rs 2.08 lakh. Your home loan EMI is Rs 65,000. You also have SIPs of Rs 10,000 in ELSS and Flexi Cap funds.

Let's break down your financial plan for maximum savings and maintaining your lifestyle.

Current Monthly Income and Expenses

Combined Income: Rs 2.08 lakh
Home Loan EMI: Rs 65,000
SIPs: Rs 10,000
This leaves you with Rs 1.33 lakh for other expenses and savings.

Investment Strategy for Maximum Savings

1. Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This fund should be in a savings account or liquid funds.

2. Increasing SIP Contributions

Consider increasing your SIP contributions in equity mutual funds for long-term growth.

Flexi Cap Fund: Continue with your Rs 5,000 SIP in Flexi Cap funds.

ELSS Fund: Continue with your Rs 5,000 SIP in ELSS for tax savings under Section 80C.

3. Diversifying Your Portfolio

Diversify your investments to balance risk and returns. Here are some recommendations:

Large Cap Funds: Allocate Rs 5,000 monthly to large cap funds for stable returns.
Mid Cap Funds: Allocate Rs 5,000 monthly to mid cap funds for potential growth.
Small Cap Funds: Allocate Rs 5,000 monthly to small cap funds for high growth potential.
4. Retirement Planning

Start planning for retirement early. Allocate Rs 5,000 monthly to a retirement fund or a Public Provident Fund (PPF). PPF offers tax benefits and secure returns.

5. Child Education and Future Goals

If you have children or plan to, start saving for their education. Allocate Rs 5,000 monthly to a child education plan or a balanced mutual fund.

6. Health Insurance

Ensure adequate health insurance for your family. This protects your savings in case of medical emergencies.

Monthly Investment Plan

Emergency Fund: Maintain liquidity for emergencies.
Flexi Cap Fund: Rs 5,000 SIP
ELSS Fund: Rs 5,000 SIP
Large Cap Fund: Rs 5,000 SIP
Mid Cap Fund: Rs 5,000 SIP
Small Cap Fund: Rs 5,000 SIP
Retirement Fund/PPF: Rs 5,000
Child Education/Goal Fund: Rs 5,000
Total Monthly Investment: Rs 35,000

Managing Expenses and Lifestyle

Track Expenses: Use apps or spreadsheets to track and manage expenses.
Budgeting: Create a monthly budget to ensure you live within your means.
Discretionary Spending: Allocate a portion of your income for leisure and lifestyle expenses. This ensures you enjoy your lifestyle while saving.
Tax Planning

ELSS Funds: Continue investing in ELSS for tax benefits.
Section 80C: Maximize deductions under Section 80C through PPF, ELSS, and other eligible investments.
Professional Guidance

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice. A CFP can help tailor your investments to your goals and risk tolerance.

Final Insights

Sumit, focus on building an emergency fund, increasing SIPs in diversified equity funds, and planning for retirement and children's education. Track your expenses and budget wisely to maintain your lifestyle while saving effectively.

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 05, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir am 41yrs old and earning 91k per month and have saving of 1 lac . I have invested 15L in M.I.S ,6.38L in equities and 5k every month in s.i.p.I have two kids , am planning to buy house after 4 years worth 50L kindly tell me any investment plan ...so that I can cover the expense of kids education and marriage
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach towards financial planning, especially considering your children's education and marriage expenses, as well as your goal of buying a house. Here's a tailored investment plan to help you achieve your objectives:

Education Fund for Children:
Open separate education funds or investment accounts for each child to save specifically for their education expenses.
Consider investing in Equity Mutual Funds or Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) for long-term growth potential, given your investment horizon.
Start a systematic investment plan (SIP) in diversified equity funds, aiming to accumulate sufficient funds by the time your children reach college age.
Marriage Fund for Children:
Similarly, create dedicated investment accounts for your children's marriage expenses to ensure you have adequate funds when needed.
Explore a mix of equity and debt investments based on your risk tolerance and time horizon.
Consider fixed-income instruments like Public Provident Fund (PPF), Fixed Deposits (FDs), or Debt Mutual Funds for stability and capital preservation.
House Purchase Fund:
Since you plan to buy a house in four years, focus on short to medium-term investment options to accumulate the required down payment.
Consider investing in Debt Mutual Funds or Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) for capital protection and relatively higher returns compared to traditional savings accounts.
Evaluate your risk appetite and liquidity needs when selecting investment vehicles for your house purchase fund.
Regular Review and Adjustment:
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Adjust your investment strategy as needed, considering changes in market conditions, personal circumstances, and goal priorities.
Emergency Fund:
Maintain a separate emergency fund equivalent to at least six months' worth of living expenses to cover unforeseen financial challenges or expenses.
Keep this fund in a liquid and easily accessible account such as a savings account or liquid mutual fund.
Consult with Financial Advisor:
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner or investment advisor to tailor an investment plan that suits your specific goals, risk profile, and financial situation.
A professional advisor can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate the complexities of investment planning, ensuring you make informed decisions.
By implementing a structured investment plan tailored to your goals and financial circumstances, you can work towards securing your children's future education and marriage expenses while also saving for your own house purchase. Stay disciplined in your savings and investment approach, and regularly monitor your progress towards achieving these important milestones

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6199 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2024Hindi
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Hi! I am a 23 year old female. I earn 1.12 lakhs/month before taxes as salary. I am only earning individual at my home. We have a house loan of 38 lakhs of 18 years that almost started 5 years ago. We used to pay 29k EMI on a loan of 28 lakhs initially but after my father's business faced huge losses, we took additional 10 lakhs loan and after defaulting on EMIs and taking a 9 month break in between, we finally pay 45k EMI on 38 lakhs loan. I have different SIPs of 9k amount that after 3-5 years would mature. For example, in one SIP I pay 5k/month. So after 5 years I would get (300000 + 60000 bonus) on it. I have to pay monthly expense of 10k/month and I pay back a few more lenders amounting to 15k/month. After all the expenses I save almost 25-30k/month. I have around 2.5 lakhs in savings. I want to save a minimum of 10-15 lakhs in 2-3 years for my marriage and family. Can you suggest how should I start my financial planning/what investments can I do to have good returns (I'm a medium risk-taker) in next 2-3 years so I can start building my family's future and have a plan for paying off the loans?
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation

Before diving into financial planning, let's assess your current financial situation. You're 23, earning a substantial monthly salary of 1.12 lakhs before taxes. However, it seems you're facing some financial challenges, primarily due to your family's housing loan and previous business losses. Your EMI for the housing loan has increased to 45k/month after additional borrowing and a break in payments.

You've also mentioned various SIPs, monthly expenses of 10k, and repayment of other lenders amounting to 15k/month. Despite these commitments, you manage to save around 25-30k/month, which is commendable.

Setting Financial Goals

Your primary financial goal is to save 10-15 lakhs in the next 2-3 years for your marriage and family. Additionally, addressing the housing loan and building a secure financial future for your family are crucial objectives.

Creating a Financial Plan

Emergency Fund:
Start by building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least 6-12 months' worth of living expenses, considering your family's financial situation. Keep this fund in a liquid and accessible account.

Repaying High-Interest Debt:
Prioritize paying off high-interest debt, such as personal loans or credit card debt, to reduce financial burden and interest expenses. Since you're saving a significant portion of your income, allocate a portion towards accelerating debt repayment.

Optimizing Investments:
Given your medium risk tolerance, consider a balanced investment approach. Diversify your portfolio across various asset classes, including equity, debt, and possibly real estate.

Equity Investments: Since you have a relatively short investment horizon of 2-3 years, consider equity mutual funds with a blend of large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds. These can potentially offer higher returns while managing risk.

Debt Investments: Given the stability they offer, consider investing in debt mutual funds or fixed-income securities. These can provide steady returns and help balance the overall risk in your investment portfolio.

Real Estate: While you haven't mentioned real estate as an investment option, it's worth considering for long-term wealth accumulation. However, ensure thorough research and due diligence before investing in property.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):
Continue with your existing SIPs, as they provide a disciplined approach to investing. However, reassess the funds you're investing in to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Aim for a diversified portfolio of SIPs to mitigate risk.

Budgeting and Expense Management:
Review your monthly expenses and look for areas where you can potentially reduce costs. Redirect the saved amount towards your savings and investment goals. Additionally, consider discussing financial responsibilities and budgeting with your family to collectively manage expenses.

Seeking Professional Guidance:
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor a financial plan that aligns with your goals and risk profile. They can provide personalized advice and guidance to optimize your financial journey.

Conclusion

In summary, building a solid financial plan requires a systematic approach, goal setting, and disciplined execution. By focusing on building an emergency fund, repaying high-interest debt, optimizing investments, and managing expenses, you can work towards achieving your short-term and long-term financial goals. Remember, consistency and patience are key virtues in the journey towards financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6199 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 27, 2024Hindi
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Hi, me and my husband' s monthly salary is 1,30,000. We apply home loan for 60lac which has emi 52k monthly. I have outsourcing money too like 60k for three months. We both have health insurance only for 15k yearly. I have sip of 15k per month and 10k Mutual fund. No other investment. Can you suggest me some plan how can I manage and how much money I required to get safe future and retirement. We both are 31 and 32 years old. Private jobs.
Ans: You and your husband have a combined monthly salary of Rs. 1,30,000. You have a home loan EMI of Rs. 52,000 and an outsourcing income of Rs. 60,000 every three months. You both have health insurance costing Rs. 15,000 annually. Your current investments include a SIP of Rs. 15,000 and a mutual fund investment of Rs. 10,000 monthly.

Financial Goals
Debt Management: Efficiently manage your home loan EMI.
Savings and Investments: Build a secure future and plan for retirement.
Risk Management: Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Creating a Financial Plan
1. Budget and Expense Management
Track Expenses: Record all income and expenses to understand your cash flow.
Prioritize Spending: Focus on essential expenses and loan repayments.
2. Emergency Fund
Safety Net: Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of expenses. This ensures financial security in case of unforeseen events.
Liquid Assets: Keep this fund in liquid assets like savings accounts or short-term deposits for easy access.
3. Increase Investment Contributions
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Continue with your current SIP of Rs. 15,000. Increase contributions as your income grows.
Diversify Investments: Allocate funds to a mix of equity, debt, and balanced mutual funds. This will optimize growth and reduce risk.
4. Retirement Planning
Long-Term Savings: Invest in retirement plans like PPF or EPF. These plans offer tax benefits and long-term growth.
Regular Contributions: Make regular contributions to build a substantial retirement corpus.
5. Adequate Insurance Coverage
Health Insurance: Ensure your health insurance coverage is adequate. Consider increasing the sum insured as needed.
Life Insurance: If you don't have life insurance, consider getting a term insurance policy to cover any liabilities and secure your family's future.
Analytical Insights
Managing Home Loan EMI
Prepayments: Whenever possible, make prepayments on your home loan. This reduces the interest burden and loan tenure.
Budget Adjustment: Adjust your budget to prioritize EMI payments and avoid missing any installments.
Investment Strategy
SIPs: SIPs are a disciplined way to invest and can benefit from rupee cost averaging.
Diversification: A diversified portfolio with equity, debt, and balanced funds can provide growth and stability.
Long-Term Horizon: Investing with a long-term horizon allows you to benefit from compounding returns.
Risk Management
Health Insurance: Ensure your health insurance coverage is sufficient for medical emergencies.
Life Insurance: Adequate life insurance is essential to cover liabilities and secure your family's future.
Key Considerations
Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance to determine the right mix of investments.
Financial Goals: Align your investments with your long-term financial goals, such as retirement and building a corpus.
Regular Review: Review your financial plan annually and adjust investments based on performance and goals.
Final Insights
To achieve financial security and a comfortable retirement, focus on efficiently managing your home loan EMI and increasing your investment contributions. Maintain a balanced portfolio and an emergency fund for financial security. Ensure adequate insurance coverage for health and life. By tracking your budget, making disciplined investments, and regularly reviewing your financial plan, you can build a substantial corpus for a secure future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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