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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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
Mano Question by Mano on May 11, 2024Hindi
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I'm 34 years now,I m earning 15000 per month,I want open SIP how can I start, with how much monthly payment, long term 15 years I can

Ans: I appreciate your commitment to starting a systematic investment plan (SIP) despite your current income level. SIPs offer an accessible and disciplined approach to wealth creation, and I'm here to guide you through the process.

Assessing Your Financial Situation
Before starting a SIP, it's essential to evaluate your current financial situation, including your income, expenses, and financial goals. With a monthly income of ?15,000, it's commendable that you're prioritizing long-term wealth creation.

Determining Monthly Investment Amount
While the ideal SIP amount varies based on individual circumstances, a general guideline is to allocate a reasonable portion of your monthly income towards investments. Considering your income level, start with an affordable SIP amount that you can consistently maintain over the long term.

Setting Realistic Expectations
Given your income level, it's crucial to set realistic expectations regarding the SIP amount and the expected growth of your investment portfolio. While SIPs offer the potential for wealth accumulation over time, it's essential to understand that investment returns may fluctuate based on market conditions.

Planning for Long-Term Goals
With a long-term investment horizon of 15 years, you have the advantage of harnessing the power of compounding to grow your wealth steadily. Focus on selecting mutual funds with proven track records of consistent performance and adherence to investment objectives.

Choosing Suitable Mutual Funds
When selecting mutual funds for your SIP, prioritize diversified equity funds that offer exposure to a broad spectrum of stocks across various sectors and market capitalizations. Avoid high-risk investment options and focus on funds that align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Leveraging the Benefits of Active Management
While index funds may seem appealing due to their lower fees, they lack the potential for outperformance seen in actively managed funds. Actively managed funds, overseen by experienced fund managers, have the flexibility to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate market volatility effectively.

Reviewing and Adjusting
Regularly review your SIP investments and adjust your portfolio as needed to stay aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Monitor the performance of your mutual funds and make informed decisions based on changing market conditions and personal circumstances.

Conclusion
In conclusion, starting a SIP is a prudent step towards achieving your long-term financial goals. By allocating a portion of your monthly income towards investments and selecting suitable mutual funds, you can lay the foundation for long-term wealth creation and financial security.

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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
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I am 32 and wants to initiate SIP amounting INR 15000-20000 per month . Can you guide me how to initiate this , it will be for long term min. next 10-15 year . My goal is to have decent savings and funds for my just born baby future
Ans: Starting SIPs for You & Your Little One: A Smart Move!
Congratulations on becoming a parent and thinking about your future! Starting a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) of Rs. 15,000-20,000 per month is a fantastic decision for your long-term goals (10-15 years). Here's how to get started and some tips:

Choosing a Platform:

Multiple Options: You can invest in SIPs through various platforms:
Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP: Get personalized advice and invest through their platform.
Online Investment Platforms: Invest directly on user-friendly platforms.
Benefits of Each Platform:

MFD-CFP: They assess your risk tolerance, goals, and recommend suitable funds. They can also help choose an online platform.
Online Platforms: Convenient and offer a variety of investment options.
Initiating Your SIP:

Simple Process: Once you choose a platform and funds, setting up an SIP is straightforward.

Automated Investment: SIPs automatically deduct a fixed amount from your bank account every month, ensuring disciplined investing.

Investing for Your Child:

Separate SIP: Consider a separate SIP for your child's future goals (education, etc.). A CFP can help choose child-specific plans.
Remember:

Start Early: The power of compounding can significantly grow your investments over time. 10-15 years is a great investment horizon.

Diversification is Key: Invest in a mix of equity and debt funds to balance growth potential with stability. Actively managed funds involve experienced fund managers who try to pick stocks to outperform the market. Actively managed funds come with higher fees compared to passively managed funds.

Review Regularly: Review your SIPs (at least annually) with your MFD-CFP to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving goals.

Congrats on taking charge of your finances! SIPs are a powerful tool to build wealth for you and your child's future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 33 years old earning 25k per month. I do only have life insurance investments yearly 88k. Don't have any MF investments. I would like to start investments in sip and expected to generate 50 lakh in 15 years. My monthly average expenditure is around 6k. Please guide.
Ans: It's great that you're considering starting SIP investments to build wealth for the future. Here's a tailored plan to help you achieve your goal of generating 50 lakhs in 15 years:
1. Assess Your Risk Tolerance: Determine your risk tolerance by evaluating how comfortable you are with market fluctuations. Since you're new to mutual fund investments, it's advisable to start with a balanced approach that aligns with your risk tolerance.
2. Set Clear Goals: Define your financial goals clearly. In your case, you aim to accumulate 50 lakhs in 15 years. This clarity will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your investment journey.
3. Start SIP Investments: Begin by investing in SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) in mutual funds. Allocate a portion of your monthly income towards SIPs, keeping in mind your monthly expenditure. Choose funds that match your risk profile and have a track record of consistent performance.
4. Diversify Your Portfolio: Opt for a diversified portfolio by investing in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid mutual funds. This diversification can help spread risk and optimize returns over the long term.
5. Regularly Review and Rebalance: Monitor your investments periodically and rebalance your portfolio if needed. As your financial situation and goals evolve, make necessary adjustments to ensure your investment strategy remains aligned with your objectives.
6. Emergency Fund: Prioritize building an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months' worth of living expenses. This fund will serve as a financial safety net during unforeseen circumstances and prevent the need to liquidate your investments prematurely.
7. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Consider seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner who can assess your financial situation, understand your goals, and recommend suitable investment strategies tailored to your needs.
Remember, investing is a long-term commitment, and patience is key to achieving your financial goals. Stay disciplined, stick to your investment plan, and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Certified Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 27, 2024

Money
Sir I am 55 years old lady and interested to start my sip ..how do i start from home through online and in which fund to invest? Me and my husband are living after his retirement .our children are settled in foreign countries .we have no pension ..we are having some money 5 lakh and own house to live.no debts.please guide me sir.
Ans: Understanding Your Financial Situation
Your proactive approach to financial planning is commendable. At 55, starting a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) is a wise decision. You and your husband have a secure living arrangement and no debts, which is excellent. With Rs 5 lakh available for investment, let’s explore how to start a SIP from home and choose suitable funds.

Starting SIP Online
Starting a SIP from home is convenient and straightforward. Most mutual fund companies and investment platforms offer online services. Follow these steps to get started:

Choose a Reputable MFD
Select a well-known mutual fund distributor (pls avoid digital investment platforms) that offers online SIP facilities. It's important to choose a MFD that is professional. accessible and has a good reputation for customer service.

Complete KYC
Ensure your KYC (Know Your Customer) process is complete. This can often be done online by submitting your PAN card, address proof, and a photograph. KYC is a mandatory process for investing in mutual funds in India. It helps in verifying your identity and address.

Register and Create an Account
Sign up on the platform by providing your personal details and completing the verification process. Creating an account is usually straightforward and involves filling in basic information like your name, email address, and phone number.

Select SIP
Choose the SIP option and decide on the amount you want to invest monthly. It's important to select an amount that you can comfortably invest every month without straining your finances.

Choose Funds
Select the mutual funds you wish to invest in based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. It's advisable to diversify your investments across different types of funds to balance risk and returns.

Set Up Auto-Debit
Link your bank account to set up an auto-debit facility for regular SIP payments. This ensures that your SIP amount is automatically deducted from your bank account every month, making the process hassle-free.

Monitor and Adjust
Regularly monitor your investments and make adjustments as needed to stay on track with your financial goals. Staying informed about the performance of your investments helps you make better decisions.

Role of a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD)
A Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) plays a crucial role in simplifying the investment process. Here's how an MFD can assist you in setting up KYC and SIP easily online:

Expertise and Guidance
MFDs have extensive knowledge about various mutual funds and investment strategies. They can guide you in choosing the right funds based on your risk profile and financial goals. Their expertise ensures that your investments are aligned with your objectives.

Assistance with KYC
Completing the KYC process can be overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the requirements. An MFD can assist you with the KYC process by providing step-by-step guidance. They can help you fill out the necessary forms and submit the required documents online.

Simplifying Account Setup
Setting up an account on an investment platform involves several steps. An MFD can simplify this process by helping you navigate through the platform. They can assist with registration, filling out personal details, and verifying your information.

Selecting the Right SIP
Choosing the right SIP amount and mutual funds is crucial for achieving your financial goals. An MFD can help you decide on a suitable SIP amount based on your income and expenses. They can also recommend mutual funds that match your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Setting Up Auto-Debit
Linking your bank account for auto-debit can sometimes be tricky. An MFD can guide you through the process, ensuring that your SIP payments are set up correctly. This service ensures that your investments are made regularly without any hassle.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
Investments need to be monitored regularly to ensure they are performing as expected. An MFD can provide you with regular updates on your investment performance. They can suggest adjustments to your portfolio based on market conditions and your changing financial situation.

Choosing the Right Funds
Selecting the right mutual funds is crucial for achieving your financial goals. Here are some factors to consider when choosing funds:

Assessing Risk Tolerance
Understanding your risk tolerance helps in selecting suitable funds. At your age, a balanced approach is recommended. This means combining equity and debt funds to manage risk while aiming for reasonable returns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds offer several advantages over index funds. Fund managers actively make investment decisions to outperform the market. This approach provides the potential for higher returns and better risk management.

Avoiding Direct Mutual Funds
Direct mutual funds have lower expense ratios but require more time and knowledge. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional management and guidance. CFPs help optimize your investment strategy and align it with your goals.

Diversifying Your Portfolio
Diversification reduces risk by spreading investments across different asset classes. A mix of equity and debt funds provides stability and growth potential. Equity funds offer higher returns, while debt funds provide safety and regular income.

Creating a Balanced Portfolio
A balanced portfolio is essential for financial security. Allocate a portion of your investments to equity funds for growth. Simultaneously, invest in debt funds to ensure stability and income.

Regular Review and Adjustments
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your portfolio is important. Monitor the performance of your investments and make necessary changes. Staying informed about market trends and economic conditions helps in making informed decisions.

Building an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial for financial security. Set aside 6-12 months’ worth of expenses in a liquid account. This fund provides a safety net for unexpected expenses.

Ensuring Adequate Insurance Coverage
Health and life insurance are essential. Ensure you have adequate coverage to protect against unforeseen medical and life events. Review your existing policies and consider additional coverage if needed.

Planning for Inflation
Inflation can erode your purchasing power over time. Plan for inflation by investing in instruments that provide inflation-adjusted returns. Equity funds and actively managed funds can offer higher returns to combat inflation.

Seeking Professional Guidance
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide expert advice tailored to your financial situation. CFPs help in optimizing your investment strategy and achieving your goals. Their guidance ensures you make informed decisions and navigate market complexities effectively.

Conclusion
Your proactive approach to starting a SIP and managing your finances is commendable. By following the steps outlined above, you can start your SIP from home and select suitable funds. Balancing equity and debt investments ensures stability and growth. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner provides expert guidance and optimization.

Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to stay on track with your goals. Building an emergency fund and ensuring adequate insurance coverage provides financial security. Your disciplined approach positions you well for a comfortable financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

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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