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Ramalingam Kalirajan |8182 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 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

Question by Nikhil on Apr 17, 2024Hindi

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Hi Sir,I'm 25 years old and earn 28,000 a month. I have SIPs of 2500 each in Tata digital India fund and Axis small cap fund and around 2,75,000 in Savings account. Please suggest me if I should do modification to my current SIPs or increase my SIP amount and what to do with savings in account. My risk appetite is high as I don't have any expenses and can invest aggressively. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Ans: Given your age, income, and high risk appetite, you have a great opportunity to invest aggressively for long-term growth. Here's a suggested approach:

Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Consult a CFP to create a personalized financial plan considering your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Modify or Increase SIPs:

Equity Funds: Since you have a high risk appetite, consider adding more equity funds to your portfolio.
Sectoral Funds: Explore adding sectoral or thematic funds for higher growth potential. However, these funds come with higher risk.
Increase SIP Amount: Gradually increase your SIP amount in existing or new funds to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Savings:

Emergency Fund: Maintain 3-6 months' expenses in a high-interest savings account as an emergency fund.
Invest: Invest a portion of your savings in equity mutual funds or stocks for long-term growth. You can also consider tax-saving ELSS funds to save tax and grow wealth simultaneously.
Review and Adjust:

Regular Review: Regularly review your portfolio with your CFP to ensure it's aligned with your goals and risk appetite.
Adjust SIPs: Make necessary adjustments to your SIPs based on performance, market conditions, and changing goals.
Considering your income and savings, you can aim to increase your SIPs by allocating a higher percentage of your income towards investments. For instance, increasing SIPs to ?5,000 or ?7,000 monthly can accelerate wealth accumulation.

Remember, while investing aggressively can potentially lead to higher returns, it also comes with higher risk. Ensure you're comfortable with the risk associated with your investment choices and consult your CFP for personalized advice.

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 Kalirajan |8182 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 08, 2024

Question by Smruti - Jun 01, 2023Hindi

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I have following SIP, Now my monthly investment in 11000 in total. I can go up to 15000 per month, Please suggest me what else SIP i can do or if i want to do any modification in the below SIPs. IDFC Focused Equity Fund-Growth-(Direct Plan) - 2000 SBI Technology Opportunities Fund Direct Growth - 1000 SBI Blue Chip Fund direct growth- 2000 Axis Blue-chip -2000 SBI Contra Fund -2000 HDFC Index Nifty 50- 2000

Ans: Considering your current SIP portfolio, you may consider diversifying further across different asset classes and investment themes. You could explore adding SIPs in sectors like healthcare, consumer goods, or emerging markets for diversification. Additionally, consider increasing exposure to mid-cap or small-cap funds for potential higher returns over the long term. Reviewing your portfolio periodically with a financial advisor can help ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Also, consider increasing your SIP amount gradually to maximize wealth accumulation over time.

Ramalingam Kalirajan |8182 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 12, 2024Hindi

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Hi Sir Kindly suggest for any modification if required as per my current investments in SIP. Currently I am investing 2.5k in each funds in below mentioned SIP. 1. Axis focused fund regular growth 2.Invesco Small cap Regular 3.Canara Robeco Small cap Regular 4.Mirae asset large cap Regular growth 5.Nippon India index fund Nifty 5. Parat parikh flexi cap fund

Ans: You're investing Rs 2.5k in six different SIPs. These funds cover a mix of large-cap, small-cap, focused, and flexi-cap categories. This diversified approach is a good starting point for balancing risk and returns. However, it's essential to assess each fund's role in your portfolio.

Fund Categorization and Allocation

Large-Cap Funds:

Large-cap funds offer stability. They focus on established companies with strong market presence.
Small-Cap Funds:

Small-cap funds provide growth potential but carry higher risk. These funds invest in emerging companies that may not be as stable.
Focused and Flexi-Cap Funds:

Focused funds invest in a limited number of stocks. This approach allows concentrated growth but with increased risk.
Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility by investing across market caps. This diversification can reduce risk.
Index Fund Consideration

You've included an index fund in your portfolio. While index funds have low management fees, they also lack the potential for outperforming the market. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can provide higher returns, especially in volatile markets. A Certified Financial Planner can help identify funds that might outperform the index, offering better growth opportunities.

Benefits of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds

Regular funds come with the advantage of professional guidance. A Certified Financial Planner can help tailor your investments to your goals. Direct funds might save on commissions, but without expert advice, the risk of underperformance increases. The expertise of a CFP ensures your portfolio is aligned with your financial objectives.

Diversification and Risk Management

Your current portfolio is diversified across various fund categories, which helps spread risk. However, too much overlap in fund types, like small-cap funds, can increase risk unnecessarily. It's crucial to maintain a balanced allocation that aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Investment Horizon and Goals

Understanding your investment horizon is key. If you're investing for long-term goals like retirement, a mix of equity-oriented funds is suitable. For medium-term goals, consider reducing exposure to high-risk funds and adding more balanced or debt funds.

Final Insights

Review Overlap: Evaluate the overlap in your small-cap funds. Diversify across other categories for better balance.

Reconsider Index Fund: Actively managed funds may provide better growth potential. A CFP can guide you in selecting suitable alternatives.

Seek Professional Guidance: The benefits of regular funds, with expert advice, outweigh the savings from direct funds. A Certified Financial Planner can help maximize returns and manage risk.

Adjust for Goals: Align your portfolio with your financial goals. Adjust your fund allocation based on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Latest Questions

Ramalingam Kalirajan |8182 Answers |Ask -Follow

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

Question by Kamlesh - Apr 03, 2025Hindi

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Dear Sir, I am 47 years old IT professional. My current salary is 1.5 lakhs per month. I have a daughter who just completed her 10th board exam. My corpus is around 1.6Cr FD&PPF; 30 lakhs in MF & stocks; 50 lakhs in EPF. I have no debt and living in my own house. Please suggest if I can plan for retirement

Ans: Your financial position is strong, and planning for retirement at 47 is a smart decision. Below is a detailed 360-degree approach to assess whether you can retire comfortably and how to ensure financial security.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Income: Rs 1.5 lakh per month.

Corpus:

Rs 1.6 crore in Fixed Deposits (FD) and Public Provident Fund (PPF).

Rs 30 lakh in mutual funds and stocks.

Rs 50 lakh in Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).

Liabilities: No debts.

Assets: Own house, ensuring no rent or EMI burden.

Family Responsibility:

Daughter has just completed the 10th board exam.

Higher education expenses need to be planned.

Key Considerations Before Retirement
Expected Retirement Age

If you plan to retire early (before 55), corpus sustainability needs careful assessment.

If you work till 60, it will provide a larger financial cushion.

Post-Retirement Expenses

Living expenses, healthcare, travel, and lifestyle costs must be considered.

Inflation will increase future expenses.

Daughter’s Education

Higher education costs are significant.

Corpus should cover both education and retirement without compromise.

Medical Expenses

Health costs increase with age.

A high health insurance cover is essential.

Wealth Growth vs. Safety

A mix of equity and debt investments ensures growth while preserving capital.

Excessive reliance on FDs and PPF may limit long-term wealth accumulation.

Assessing If You Can Retire Comfortably
Current Corpus Size

Rs 2.4 crore (excluding house) is a strong starting point.

But, inflation will reduce its real value over time.

Expected Corpus Growth

Investments in mutual funds and stocks should continue to grow.

PPF and EPF offer stable but lower returns.

Withdrawals Post-Retirement

Sustainable withdrawals should not deplete the corpus too soon.

A balanced investment strategy is required.

Gaps in Planning

Heavy reliance on FDs and PPF may not be ideal.

More equity exposure can ensure inflation-beating returns.

Steps to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan
1. Optimising Investment Strategy
Continue investing in mutual funds with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.

Reduce dependence on FDs for long-term needs.

Equity mutual funds help counter inflation and grow wealth.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns without active management.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offer expert monitoring.

Diversify investments between equity, debt, and fixed-income products.

2. Planning for Daughter’s Education
Higher education costs can be Rs 30-50 lakh in the next 5-7 years.

Separate this goal from your retirement plan.

Increase equity investment to build an education corpus.

Avoid withdrawing from retirement savings for education.

3. Building a Healthcare Safety Net
Health insurance should cover at least Rs 30-50 lakh.

Consider super top-up plans for additional coverage.

Maintain an emergency medical fund to cover non-insured expenses.

Review insurance policies periodically.

4. Creating a Sustainable Withdrawal Plan
Avoid withdrawing a large portion of the corpus in early retirement years.

Keep at least 5 years of expenses in liquid assets.

Equity exposure should reduce gradually as retirement progresses.

Use dividends and interest income before selling assets.

Final Insights
Retirement is possible, but adjustments are needed for long-term security.

Continue investing aggressively for the next few years.

Ensure daughter's education is planned separately.

Review investments and insurance regularly.

Keep flexibility in withdrawal strategy post-retirement.

A structured plan will ensure a financially secure and comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan |8182 Answers |Ask -Follow

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi

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My employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions, but I don't fully understand how it works. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of joining such a scheme, and how does it affect my take-home pay and long-term financial planning?

Ans: A salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions allows you to give up a portion of your salary in exchange for increased employer contributions to your pension. It has tax and National Insurance (NI) advantages but also some potential drawbacks.

How Salary Sacrifice for Pension Works
You agree to reduce your gross salary by a chosen amount.

Your employer contributes this amount directly to your pension.

Since your taxable salary is lower, you pay less income tax and NI.

Your employer also saves on NI and may pass on some or all of this saving to your pension.

Advantages
1. Tax and NI Savings
You don’t pay income tax or NI on the sacrificed amount.

Your employer saves on NI (currently 13.8%) and may increase your pension with these savings.

2. Higher Pension Contributions
Since more money goes into your pension, your retirement corpus grows faster.

Compounding over time enhances long-term wealth.

3. Increased Take-Home Pay
Although you sacrifice part of your salary, the NI savings may offset some of the reduction.

Depending on employer policies, your net pay may not drop significantly.

4. Potential Employer Matching
Some employers pass their NI savings into your pension, increasing your total contributions.

Disadvantages
1. Reduced Gross Salary
A lower salary means reduced future pay rises if they are percentage-based.

Life cover, sick pay, and redundancy pay linked to salary may be affected.

2. Lower Borrowing Capacity
Mortgage applications consider salary; a lower reported income might reduce borrowing potential.

3. Impact on State Benefits
If salary drops below certain thresholds, statutory benefits like maternity pay and state pension could be affected.

4. Restricted Access to Pension
The extra pension savings cannot be accessed before retirement (except under specific conditions).

Effect on Take-Home Pay
Your net pay will be slightly lower, but less than the actual amount sacrificed.

The tax and NI savings cushion the impact.

If your employer adds their NI savings, your total retirement savings increase.

Effect on Long-Term Financial Planning
Your pension fund grows faster, improving retirement security.

Short-term disposable income is slightly reduced, so budget planning is important.

Consider how the reduced salary affects other financial goals like buying a house or saving for education.

Should You Opt for It?
If employer NI savings are passed to your pension, it’s highly beneficial.

If you are close to lower tax bands or state benefit thresholds, assess the impact.

If you plan to apply for a mortgage, check how it affects your eligibility.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help assess your personal situation before making a decision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan |8182 Answers |Ask -Follow

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi

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Hi Sir , Greetings of the day!! hope you are doing well !! I want to do a savings of 50 lacs in as much less time span as possible because I want to buy a property in Gurgaon. My monthly salary is 1 lac 11k and I am currently investing 10k in mutual fund monthly and 50k in nps yearly. Can you please guide me how can I save 50 lacs and in how much time ?

Ans: Your goal of saving Rs 50 lakh for a property in Gurgaon is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy. Below is a structured approach to help you reach your target in the shortest possible time.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Your monthly salary is Rs 1.11 lakh.

You invest Rs 10,000 per month in mutual funds.

Your annual NPS contribution is Rs 50,000.

You haven't mentioned any liabilities or existing savings. If you have any ongoing EMIs or debts, they should be factored in.

Key Considerations for Achieving Rs 50 Lakh Target
The speed of reaching Rs 50 lakh depends on savings rate and returns.

High savings rate is the most reliable way to accumulate wealth.

Investment returns are uncertain and depend on market conditions.

A balanced approach is necessary to ensure stability and growth.

Increasing Your Savings Rate
Currently, you are investing Rs 10,000 per month.

If you can increase it to Rs 50,000 per month, you will reach Rs 50 lakh faster.

Cutting discretionary expenses will free up more money for investments.

Consider reducing unnecessary spending on dining out, luxury items, and vacations.

Redirect bonuses, incentives, or salary hikes towards savings.

Choosing the Right Investment Instruments
Mutual Funds for Growth
Actively managed equity mutual funds can generate better returns than fixed deposits.

A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds can balance risk and reward.

Mid-cap and small-cap funds have higher growth potential but also higher volatility.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns and lack active risk management.

Debt Investments for Stability
Fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, and PPF provide stability.

These should be used for short-term parking rather than long-term growth.

Debt mutual funds are taxed based on your income tax slab.

Avoid locking too much money in low-return instruments.

Balancing Risk and Return
Investing entirely in equity mutual funds can generate high returns but comes with volatility.

A mix of 80% equity and 20% debt can provide stability.

As your target nears, shift more funds towards safer instruments.

Avoid speculation and high-risk investments like cryptocurrency.

Role of NPS in Your Goal
NPS is good for retirement but not ideal for short-term goals.

Partial withdrawal is allowed only under specific conditions.

Do not rely on NPS for your property purchase.

Managing Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.

Investing in tax-efficient instruments will maximize returns.

Estimating the Timeframe
If you invest Rs 50,000 per month, you can accumulate Rs 50 lakh in about 7-8 years with moderate returns.

If you invest Rs 75,000 per month, you can reach Rs 50 lakh in about 5 years.

The faster you increase your savings, the sooner you will achieve your goal.

Final Insights
Increase your monthly investment to at least Rs 50,000.

Focus on actively managed equity mutual funds.

Keep a small portion in debt for stability.

Avoid unnecessary expenses and invest salary increments.

Do not depend on NPS for this goal.

Monitor and adjust your portfolio as needed.

Stay disciplined and patient to achieve your target.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Dr Dipankar Dutta |1090 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi

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B.TECH IN ECE IS A GOOD CHOICE IN THE UPCOMING YEARS... ! PLEASE TELL ...

Ans: Yes. You have to develop your skill by doing various online cources.

Dr Dipankar Dutta |1090 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Question by Aarav - Apr 03, 2025Hindi

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Hello, I secured 93.15 percentile in JEE Mains 2025 (Session 1) and belong to the OBC-NCL category. Based on my percentile, could you please suggest which NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs I have a good chance of getting into?

Ans: NITs (Possible in Later Rounds / Lower NITs)
NIT Mizoram – Mechanical, Civil, Chemical

NIT Arunachal Pradesh – Mechanical, Civil, ECE

NIT Nagaland – Mechanical, Civil, EEE

NIT Agartala – Production Engineering, Civil, Chemical

IIITs (Decent Chance)
IIIT Kalyani – IT

IIIT Bhagalpur – ECE, Mechatronics

IIIT Una – ECE, IT

IIIT Ranchi – ECE

IIIT Bhopal – ECE

GFTIs (Better Chances)
Assam University – CSE, ECE

Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh – Production Engineering

See previous years' cut off

Dr Dipankar Dutta |1090 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Question by Renuka - Apr 01, 2025Hindi

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Good evening sir, I am a neet dropper, I had wasted lots of time in social media, family issues and health issues, for the whole year i give my 70-80c/o percent and just one -2 month before exam i got panic and stop studying, after 1 month, i have to appear for neet, i want to do mbbs should i took another drop?? I started my preparation after completing 12th , its my 3rd drop, i had quitted lots of distraction and improve but the chance to get selected in this attempt is very less, what should i do?? Please help

Ans: Throughout your mobile and laptop if you want to do become anything in your life

Dr Dipankar Dutta |1090 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Question by Tanya - Apr 01, 2025Hindi

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i scored 94.16 perecntile in jee mains general category female quota home state uttar pradesh can i get seat in NIT?

Ans: Core branches like Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, and Biotechnology in newer or lower-ranked NITs (e.g., NIT Agartala, NIT Mizoram, NIT Arunachal Pradesh, etc.) may be possible.

ECE or Electrical in some mid-tier NITs may be available in later rounds (Home State Quota can help).

CSE in NITs is difficult at this rank, but IIITs, GFTIs, or state-level colleges might have seats.

Dr Dipankar Dutta |1090 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 01, 2025Hindi

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What is my approximate obc category rank if my crl is about 34000 in jee mains 2025

Ans: 10,600−11,500

Dr Dipankar Dutta |1090 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 19, 2025Hindi

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Sir, my son obtained 62.67 Marks and 629 Score in GATE 2025 for ME Branch. He is belonged to SC Category. Can he get any PSUs recruitment?

Ans: Securing a position in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) through GATE is highly competitive, with each PSU setting its own cutoff scores that vary annually based on factors such as the number of applicants, vacancy availability, and exam difficulty. So, nothing can be told at this moment. See previous years' cut off.

Dr Dipankar Dutta |1090 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Question by Deepika - Mar 20, 2025Hindi

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Sir meri beti 2026 may 12kay exam degi.uskay bad vo IIT ki preparation kare gi to kay 2026us ka gap mana jaye ga or kay vo sirf 2time hi attempt de sakte hai.

Ans: According to JEE rules:

JEE Mains Attempt Limit – There is no specific attempt limit, but a student can appear for JEE Mains in the year of Class 12 and the next two years (total 3 years).

JEE Advanced Attempt Limit – A student can attempt JEE Advanced only twice in consecutive years (in the year of Class 12 and the following year).

See more questions »

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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