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Financial Planner - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |5367 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

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Hi I am 38 years old Central banker and my wife is 35 years old financial professional with combined salary of Rs 2.80 lakhs per month ( post deducting all monthly EMI’s).Our combined Investment per month is as under- -Mutual fund SIP- 1.75 lakhs ( includes retirement planning and educational planning for both the kids) -PPF 10k each for both of us -Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana -10k per month for girl child -VPF from wife’s ac- 12k -NPS from my salary 35k -Further, Life insurance Term plan of Rs 1.5 cr and 2.25 cr taken for me and my wife respectively. -1 lakh per year goes towards HDFC Samchay plan for period of 12 years and expected 2lakh per year for 14 th year to 26 years. $as on date portfolio of ours is as under:- -direct equity- around Rs. 57lakhs -Gold max 10lakh -Mutual fund corpus- 52 lakhs -2 residential flats and investment in 3 residential open plots. - 40 lakh corpus available for investing lumps in mutual fund for additional retirement planning. Funds made available by selling a Bunglow property. -monthly rental income is around 29 k. Kids aged 6 and 2 years old. Desire to retire at the age of 55 years and wife would like to retire at the age of 45 years. -Current monthly expenses is around 1 lakh per month and considering inflation 7%, post retirement per month requirement would be 4 lakhs. Please review and suggest improvement in investment strategy. Thank you very much
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Combined Salary: Rs. 2.80 lakhs per month (post deducting EMIs)
Mutual Fund SIPs: Rs. 1.75 lakhs per month
PPF Contributions: Rs. 10k each per month
Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana: Rs. 10k per month
VPF from Wife's Account: Rs. 12k per month
NPS Contribution: Rs. 35k per month
Life Insurance Term Plans: Rs. 1.5 cr for you and Rs. 2.25 cr for your wife
HDFC Samchay Plan: Rs. 1 lakh per year for 12 years, expected Rs. 2 lakhs per year from 14th to 26th year
Portfolio Overview
Direct Equity: Rs. 57 lakhs
Gold: Rs. 10 lakhs
Mutual Fund Corpus: Rs. 52 lakhs
Real Estate: 2 residential flats and investment in 3 residential open plots
Lump Sum for Retirement Planning: Rs. 40 lakhs
Monthly Rental Income: Rs. 29k
Financial Goals
Retirement: You at 55 years, wife at 45 years
Current Monthly Expenses: Rs. 1 lakh
Post-Retirement Monthly Requirement: Rs. 4 lakhs (considering 7% inflation)
Children's Education and Future Planning: Ongoing investments in PPF and Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana
Analysis and Recommendations
Investment Strategy Review
Diversification: Your portfolio is well-diversified with investments in equities, mutual funds, gold, and real estate. This diversification helps in risk management.

Mutual Fund Investments: Continue with SIPs for long-term growth. Focus on actively managed funds rather than index funds for better potential returns.

Direct Equity: Rs. 57 lakhs in direct equity is significant. Ensure it's diversified across sectors to minimize risk.

Gold: Rs. 10 lakhs in gold adds stability to your portfolio. Consider holding it as a long-term investment.

Lump Sum Investment
Additional Retirement Planning: Invest the Rs. 40 lakhs lump sum in a mix of debt and equity mutual funds. This helps in balancing risk and ensuring steady growth.
Debt Management
Home and Car Loans: Ensure EMIs are manageable within your current income. Focus on pre-paying high-interest loans if possible.
Children's Future Planning
Education Planning: Continue investments in Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana and PPF. These provide stable returns and tax benefits.
Retirement Planning
NPS and VPF: Your contributions to NPS and VPF are excellent for retirement planning. They offer tax benefits and steady returns.

Projected Expenses: With a post-retirement monthly requirement of Rs. 4 lakhs, ensure your corpus is sufficient to generate this income.

Life Insurance
Term Plans: Your term plans are adequate. Ensure they are reviewed periodically to match your needs.
Emergency Fund
Liquidity: Maintain an emergency fund of at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid assets like savings accounts or liquid mutual funds.
Review and Rebalance
Periodic Review: Review your portfolio every 6-12 months. Rebalance if needed to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Final Insights
Your current investment strategy is robust and well-diversified. By continuing your disciplined approach and making periodic adjustments, you can achieve your financial goals, including early retirement and securing your children's future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
(more)
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |5367 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 19, 2024Hindi
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I am 46 years old. My wife is non-working and i have 14 yr old and 3 yr old kids. As a single earner, my take home salary is about 170k per month. I will try my best to remain emplyable and grow (10% annual growth in income) for the next 10 years. At present, my home loan left is 14 lacs. No other loan. I have FDs worth 16 lacs. This is my emergency fund. I also have around 12 lacs of PF balance. I have sufficient term insurance policy and family medical policy. I can save around 1 lac per month with 10% annual increase for next 10 years. I have the following challenging goals and i need advice on how these can be ahieved: 1. Retirement pension monthly for survival at 50k per month with inflation accounted, for 30 years. 2. After 4 years, my older kid will need total of around 30lacs spread out in 4 years for higher studies. 3. At age 60, my younger son will be 18 years and he will need similar funds for his graduation.
Ans: Let's address your goals with a structured financial plan. Your disciplined savings and investments can help you achieve your objectives.

Goal 1: Retirement Pension
Current Situation:

Age: 46 years
Retirement Goal: Rs 50,000 per month
Time Horizon: 14 years
Inflation Consideration: Essential for 30 years
Action Plan:

Increase Savings: Save Rs 1 lakh per month with a 10% annual increase.
Investment Strategy: Focus on a mix of debt and equity funds. Actively managed funds can provide better returns than index funds.
Diversification: Invest in a balanced portfolio to mitigate risks.
Review Regularly: Adjust the portfolio based on market conditions and personal needs.
Goal 2: Older Child's Education
Current Situation:

Older Child’s Age: 14 years
Education Fund Needed: Rs 30 lakhs in 4 years
Action Plan:

Systematic Investments: Start monthly investments in actively managed equity and hybrid funds.
Short-Term Goals: Focus on less volatile, medium-term funds for safety and growth.
Monitor Progress: Ensure investments are on track to meet the education expenses.
Goal 3: Younger Child's Education
Current Situation:

Younger Child’s Age: 3 years
Education Fund Needed: Rs 30 lakhs at age 18
Action Plan:

Long-Term Investments: Allocate funds in equity and diversified funds.
Regular Contributions: Continue monthly investments with annual increases.
Portfolio Growth: Focus on high-growth potential funds for long-term returns.
Managing Home Loan and Emergency Fund
Current Situation:

Home Loan Left: Rs 14 lakhs
FDs as Emergency Fund: Rs 16 lakhs
PF Balance: Rs 12 lakhs
Action Plan:

Home Loan Repayment: Consider prepaying the loan from the emergency fund. This reduces interest burden.
Emergency Fund: Maintain a balance in FDs. Keep 6 months' expenses in liquid form.
PF Utilization: Let PF grow for retirement benefits.
Insurance and Savings
Current Situation:

Term Insurance: Sufficient
Medical Insurance: Family policy in place
Action Plan:

Review Coverage: Ensure insurance coverage is adequate for future needs.
Increase Savings: Allocate surplus savings to investment plans for higher returns.
Detailed Financial Plan
Monthly Savings Allocation:

Equity Funds: Allocate a significant portion to equity funds for long-term growth.
Debt Funds: Invest in debt funds for stability and safety.
Balanced Funds: Mix of equity and debt for balanced risk.
Yearly Review:

Performance Monitoring: Regularly check the performance of investments.
Adjust Strategy: Make necessary adjustments based on market trends and personal milestones.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Limited Returns: Index funds often provide average returns.
Lack of Flexibility: They follow the index and cannot outperform the market.
Actively Managed Funds Benefits: Actively managed funds offer better returns and flexibility.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Complex Management: Direct funds require continuous monitoring.
Professional Guidance: Regular funds through a CFP offer expert advice and management.
Convenience: Regular funds provide ease of investment with professional oversight.
Final Insights
Disciplined Investing: Consistent savings and investment are key to achieving your goals.
Professional Advice: Leveraging the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner ensures better financial planning.
Future Planning: Always plan for future uncertainties and keep your goals in sight.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
(more)
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |5367 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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My portfolio is given below. SIP - SBI Small cap fund & SBI Flexicap fund - 25000 monthly each, Axis Nifty 100 Index Fund - 40000 monthly, Nippon India Small Cap 250 Index fund - 25000 monthly. I started investing from 2017 with 2000 SIP in SBI Small cap and increased over the years as my salary increases. My current corpus is around 35Lakh. Your advice on this. Apart from this I am invested in physical gold for around 10Lakhs. I am working in UAE.
Ans: Overview of Your Current Portfolio
You have a well-structured portfolio, with a mix of equity mutual funds and physical gold. Your current investments include:

SBI Small Cap Fund: Rs. 25,000 monthly SIP
SBI Flexicap Fund: Rs. 25,000 monthly SIP
Axis Nifty 100 Index Fund: Rs. 40,000 monthly SIP
Nippon India Small Cap 250 Index Fund: Rs. 25,000 monthly SIP
Physical Gold: Rs. 10 lakhs
You started investing in 2017 and have built a corpus of around Rs. 35 lakhs.

Analysis of Your Portfolio
Equity Mutual Funds
Diversification: Your portfolio has a good mix of large-cap, flexicap, and small-cap funds. This provides diversification across different market capitalizations.

Growth Potential: Small-cap and flexicap funds have high growth potential. However, they are also volatile.

Index Funds: You have a significant portion in the Axis Nifty 100 Index Fund. While index funds offer lower management fees, they may not outperform actively managed funds.

Physical Gold
Hedge Against Inflation: Gold serves as a good hedge against inflation and adds stability to your portfolio.

Liquidity: Physical gold is less liquid compared to other financial assets.

Recommendations for Improvement
Review Fund Allocation
Reduce Overlap: Ensure there is no significant overlap between the funds in terms of stock holdings.

Balance Between Active and Passive Funds: Consider balancing the allocation between actively managed funds and index funds. Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market, especially in emerging markets like India.

Increase Diversification
Add Debt Funds: To reduce volatility, consider adding debt funds to your portfolio. Debt funds provide stability and can protect your corpus during market downturns.

International Funds: Consider including international mutual funds. This adds geographical diversification and can hedge against domestic market risks.

Rebalance Regularly
Periodic Rebalancing: Rebalance your portfolio every 6-12 months. This ensures your investments align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Additional Investment Strategies
Emergency Fund
Maintain Liquidity: Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This should be kept in liquid assets like savings accounts or liquid funds.
Goal-Based Investing
Define Goals: Align your investments with specific financial goals, such as retirement, buying a house, or children's education.

Time Horizon: Match your investment choices with the time horizon for each goal. Short-term goals should have more conservative investments.

Final Insights
Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed. Stay informed about market trends and changes in your financial situation.

Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner to tailor the investment strategy to your specific needs.

Focus on Long-Term Growth: Keep a long-term perspective and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
(more)
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |5367 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 20, 2024Hindi
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I am due to retire on Jan2025.At present i hav got 25 lakhs rupees as liquid cash.i would like to invest this amt for 4 to 5 years.which is the good investment plan for me.
Ans: You are set to retire in January 2025 and have Rs. 25 lakhs as liquid cash. Investing this amount wisely is crucial to ensure financial stability and growth over the next 4 to 5 years. Here is a structured approach to help you invest effectively.

Assessing Your Investment Goals
Time Horizon: 4 to 5 years
Risk Tolerance: Moderate, as you are nearing retirement
Objective: Capital preservation with reasonable growth
Recommended Investment Options
Balanced Mutual Funds
Description: These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt.
Benefits: They offer balanced risk and return, making them suitable for your time horizon.
Suggested Allocation: Allocate 50% of your investment to balanced mutual funds.
Debt Mutual Funds
Description: These funds primarily invest in fixed-income securities.
Benefits: They provide stable returns with lower risk compared to equity funds.
Suggested Allocation: Allocate 30% of your investment to debt mutual funds.
Fixed Deposits (FDs)
Description: Bank FDs offer fixed returns over a specified period.
Benefits: They are safe and provide assured returns.
Suggested Allocation: Allocate 10% of your investment to fixed deposits.
Gold
Description: Investing in gold, through gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds, can be a good hedge against inflation.
Benefits: Gold tends to hold its value over time.
Suggested Allocation: Allocate 10% of your investment to gold.
Portfolio Allocation Example
Balanced Mutual Funds: Rs. 12.5 lakhs
Debt Mutual Funds: Rs. 7.5 lakhs
Fixed Deposits: Rs. 2.5 lakhs
Gold: Rs. 2.5 lakhs
Steps to Implement Your Investment Plan
Research and Select Funds: Choose well-performing balanced and debt mutual funds with a good track record.
Diversify Within Asset Classes: Within each category, select multiple funds to spread risk.
Monitor Performance: Regularly review the performance of your investments and make adjustments if necessary.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner: For personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.
Final Insights
Focus on Stability: Given your short investment horizon, prioritise stability and moderate growth.
Avoid High-Risk Investments: Steer clear of high-risk investments like direct equity or volatile sectors.
Plan for Liquidity: Ensure that a portion of your investments is easily accessible in case of emergencies.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
(more)
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |5367 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 22, 2024Hindi
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Hi , Im in 30's Haven't started investing. Planning to invest , pls suggest a good platform.. I want to start investing for long term plans for bettee return... Will try to soare atleast 15k from salary to saving. Pls advice some better option for boy child investment, retirements fund, and also some short term investment (5-8 Yrs) . Thank you
Ans: Monthly Investment Budget
Plan to invest Rs. 15,000 monthly from your salary.
Long-Term Investment Options
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds are ideal for long-term growth. They invest in stocks of companies. They offer high returns over time. Consider investing a portion of your budget here.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a safe long-term investment. It offers tax benefits and assured returns. A portion of your monthly investment can go into PPF.

Investment for Boy Child
Child Plans
Child Plans are designed for a child's future. They provide lump sum amounts at different stages of a child's life. They can help cover education and other expenses.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
SSY is a government scheme for girl children. If you have a girl child, invest here. It offers high interest rates and tax benefits.

Balanced Funds
Balanced Funds mix equity and debt. They offer moderate risk and returns. They are suitable for a child's education fund.

Retirement Fund
National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is a government-backed retirement plan. It offers tax benefits and market-linked returns. A portion of your budget can go into NPS.

Employees' Provident Fund (EPF)
If you are salaried, contribute to EPF. It offers a safe way to save for retirement.

Short-Term Investment Options (5-8 Years)
Debt Funds
Debt Funds are low risk and provide stable returns. They invest in fixed income securities. They are suitable for short-term goals.

Fixed Deposits (FD)
FDs are a safe investment. They offer fixed returns over a period. You can ladder your FDs for better liquidity.

Recurring Deposits (RD)
RDs are like FDs but allow monthly contributions. They are suitable for disciplined savings.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management
Actively Managed Funds are managed by experts. They aim to outperform the market.

Higher Returns Potential
These funds often deliver better returns than index funds. They adapt to market conditions.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Limited Flexibility
Index Funds follow the market. They do not adapt to market changes.

No Active Management
They lack professional management. This limits their growth potential.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Lack of Guidance
Direct Funds lack professional advice. This can be challenging for investors.

Time-Consuming
Managing direct funds requires time and knowledge. This may not suit everyone.

Final Insights
Start with a diversified portfolio. Use equity funds for long-term growth. Invest in child plans and balanced funds for your boy's future. Use NPS and EPF for retirement. Choose debt funds and FDs for short-term goals. Regularly review and adjust your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
(more)
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |5367 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 26, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi I am 40 year old married with no kids and no loans. I have a house in a tier 2 city co owned with my brother. I plan to buy a house at 15-20 l in tier 2 city. Currently I have 98l in savings in fd, stocks, ppf, etc. I am earning 1l per month. I want to retire early. How much money should I save to retire?
Ans: Assessing Your Financial Situation
You are 40 years old, married, with no kids and no loans. You co-own a house in a tier 2 city with your brother. You plan to buy another house worth Rs. 15-20 lakhs in a tier 2 city. You have Rs. 98 lakhs in savings across FD, stocks, PPF, etc., and you earn Rs. 1 lakh per month. You want to retire early. Let’s evaluate how you can achieve this goal.

Estimating Retirement Corpus
Understanding Your Expenses
Current Expenses: Calculate your monthly and annual expenses.
Future Inflation: Account for inflation, which will increase your expenses over time.
Lifestyle: Consider the lifestyle you want during retirement.
Desired Corpus
Monthly Income: Determine how much monthly income you’ll need during retirement.
Life Expectancy: Plan for 20-30 years post-retirement.
Annual Withdrawal: Estimate the annual withdrawal needed from your retirement corpus.
Building Your Retirement Corpus
Existing Savings
Savings of Rs. 98 Lakhs: This is a solid start towards your retirement corpus.
Diversified Portfolio: Your savings are spread across FD, stocks, PPF, etc.
Investment Strategy
Equity and Debt Mix: Maintain a balanced mix of equity and debt investments.
SIP in Mutual Funds: Continue SIPs in well-performing mutual funds.
PPF: Continue contributions to PPF for steady returns.
Stocks: Invest in fundamentally strong stocks for growth.
Additional Savings
Monthly Savings: Save a portion of your monthly income.
Automated Investments: Set up automated transfers to your investment accounts.
Buying a New House
Budget and Funding
Budget: Your budget for a new house is Rs. 15-20 lakhs.
Funding Source: Use a portion of your savings or liquidate less critical investments.
Impact on Savings
Reduced Savings: Adjust your retirement corpus calculations considering the reduced savings post house purchase.
Rebalance Portfolio: Rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired mix.
Early Retirement Planning
Setting a Retirement Age
Target Age: Decide on the age by which you want to retire.
Years to Retirement: Calculate the number of years remaining until your target retirement age.
Achieving Financial Independence
Passive Income: Build sources of passive income such as dividends, interest, and rental income.
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
Calculating Expected Returns
Investment Growth
Equity Returns: Equity investments may yield 10-12% annually.
Debt Returns: Debt investments may yield 6-8% annually.
Overall Returns: Aim for an average return of 8-10% on your portfolio.
Final Insights
Realistic Goals: Set realistic financial goals and review them periodically.
Professional Guidance: Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.
Regular Monitoring: Monitor your investments and make adjustments as needed.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
(more)
Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |69 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

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