50 / 50 spreading between $ & Rupees for True Global Savings for R2I

[SixthSense]

** This is NOT meant as picture perfect AAP or maximum return investment approach but rather middle of the road Risk Definition & Predictability in Global Savings for R2I people **

Assumption - This approach will work best for USC R2I person and most probably for GC people also. H1B may have some operational problems but I am not sure.

The Approach is : As we all know the $ to rupee is fluctuating and will go either way based on what you believe ( India Shining or US making weak dollar or combination of both etc ). The question how about if we bring the predictability to our savings on truly Global Term. If we can keep 50% in USA as in dollar & remaining 50% brought in Indian rupees than no matter how the $ to Rupee fluctuate your Net asset will be same on global level.

let's for example take average savings as $200K money as R2I savings. This money is no string attached money means fully after-tax money with no 401K / IRA penalty attached to it. it is liquidable anywhere in the world.

so with this approach the 2 parts are
A) 50% i.e. $100K will be converted into Indian rupees once the person has R2Ied. This money will be used for R2I settlement expenses ( $20-$30K ) and rest can go in buying a residential property ( in 1-2 years timeframe ) & some emergency fund.

B) Remaining 50% i.e. $100K will remain in USA.

So the idea is survive with 50% Indian money and keep 50% US $ as long term investment / fallback option. doing that one is truly protected on global Savings level no matter the fluctuation of $ to rupee. Slight distortion of other currency will affect but in general the risk is minimized with true predictability.


The Scope of Discussion : - Now Everybody knows how the money will get spend in India like $20-30K initial settle down expenses, emergency fund & Real estate buy/ big down payment etc. so no need to discuss about it in detail BUT ...

The 50% $ money in USA is the real scope of discussion in terms
1) what is the best way to invest this money ? which option is better like CDs / short term govt bond / Index fund / mutual fund etc. Once again maximum return is not the only criteria here ..

2) The liquidity of money if required with minimum penalty is also given due importance.

3) The tax free or tax minimization of investment ( USC / GC status ) is also given value in consideration

4) Does the RNOR / ROR etc status for USC can affect this investment


Your overall feedback on total 50/50 global savings approach, your suggestion on investment tactics in USA for the criteria givens as in "good combination" / any red flags / problems you see is very much appreciated.

[KRV]

This strategy may not be optimal for those R2Iing with objective to work for at least 5-10 years in India. The savings and investments from INR income will increase your INR assets vs. US$ assets, so the 50:50 initially may change in favor of more INR.

While that is not a problem (certainly not if you intend to reside permanently in India), but those returning with uncertainty about returning to US someday may find this 50:50 strategy sub-optimal.

[SixthSense]

This strategy may not be optimal for those R2Iing with objective to work for at least 5-10 years in India. The savings and investments from INR income will increase your INR assets vs. US$ assets, so the 50:50 initially may change in favor of more INR.

Agree with you that it's not the most optimal strategy. But can this be most flexible strategy is the question ?

While that is not a problem (certainly not if you intend to reside permanently in India), but those returning with uncertainty about returning to US someday may find this 50:50 strategy sub-optimal.

Assuming the criteria are in the decending order of importance
minimum risk --> Faster Liquidity turnaround time ---> Minimum Penalty ---> Minimum Tax in US or India ( assuming one is USC )

Does anybody has any suggesion for Investment regarding Part B per OP

OR this is going in circle and jumping on chopping block to facilliate your own chopping approach ?

[DosaiLvr]

** This is NOT meant as picture perfect AAP or maximum return investment approach but rather middle of the road Risk Definition & Predictability in Global Savings for R2I people **

The 50% $ money in USA is the real scope of discussion in terms
1) what is the best way to invest this money ? which option is better like CDs / short term govt bond / Index fund / mutual fund etc. Once again maximum return is not the only criteria here ..

2) The liquidity of money if required with minimum penalty is also given due importance.

3) The tax free or tax minimization of investment ( USC / GC status ) is also given value in consideration

4) Does the RNOR / ROR etc status for USC can affect this investment
[/quote]

AAP, DCA, Index funds, Passive Management, Vanguard etc. are the first things that come to my mind after following many of the recent discussions.

It appears (from many recent threads) that the experts are advocating the above where the intention is simply to protect the nest egg, and where the investor is a novice.

In general a well diversified/balanced portfolio whose returns are at least in step w/ if not better than the inflation is the way to go?

Hopefully a game plan to protect (a beginner's) assets w/ equities will evolve here.

[SixthSense]

Hopefully a game plan to protect (a beginner's) assets w/ equities will evolve here.

Amen to that. That is what I am hoping for as an OP ( although it will also help me on individual level as this is what I am inclining to do as of now unless it becomes very clear that it's a foolish idea ). It can be helpful for many beginner investers who will R2I in short term timeframe when they find this site and don't have luxury of staying LIA 2-3 years.

May be DL I should have PM you the OP message and you should have posted it as OP thread :emwink: to get what's the word here .. OO yeahh "Positive Contribution" from some members.

Well look at the bright side of it how often one can get a chance to say it's a foolish idea ( if it really is ) and still have a satisfaction that it is a positive contribution to the R2I board. :emteeth:

As far as me as OP - Well there is saying in Maharashtra... "Nindakache Ghar Asave Shejari" means "Let your neighbour be your greatest critics ( so that it will help you to stay in reality )".

SS

[laks0]

SS

Like Bobus says there is no one solution that fits all. A doctor cannot prescribe a medicine unless he is familair with all the allergies and other medical history of the patient.

First thing in an Asset allocation is to define goals. Goals and timeline of the goals dictate the investment vehicles. Goal should not be to protect money but use the money we have for a specific purpose.

Now, after getting that out of the way.... You may be interested in following link its for a USC retirement goal in INDIA

investing one crore

[abuSibu]

In general a well diversified/balanced portfolio whose returns are at least in step w/ if not better than the inflation is the way to go?

Correct. But a diversified portfolio's after-tax return should be above the inflation.

[DosaiLvr]

investing one crore
Financial Planning for R2I by Vinod.

SS,

These two thread should start one off in the right direction. Let's keep updating this list.

[SixthSense]

DL,

thx. it will take some time to read this thread. I will see what I can dig further.

hopefully few more can chime in.

[laks0]

Investment basics from diehard.org forum