Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 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
Asked by Anonymous - May 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

I'm a 36 Year-old parent with two children aged 2 and 3, prioritizing their education and marriage. Mutual Fund - All in monthly SIP (with yearly 10% increase) Mirae Large and midcap - 5500 SBI smallcap - 6500 ICICI value Discovery - 4000 Quant Active Fund - 4000 Motilal microcap - 1000 Axis Gold fund - 4000 (just started) Current MF value - 13.50 Lakhs (incl XXIR - 20%) LIC - 1,00,000 per year (15 years term) already 5 years over. Expectations: Next 15 years, both kids education - 2 cr. Next 20 years, both kids marriage - 2 cr. Could you review my portfolio, if I'm on the right track to achieve 4 crore.

Ans: As a parent prioritizing your children's education and marriage, your commitment to securing their future is commendable. Let's conduct a comprehensive review of your investment portfolio to ascertain its efficacy in realizing your ambitious financial goals.

Evaluating Mutual Fund Holdings and SIP Strategy
Your allocation towards mutual funds, characterized by a systematic investment plan (SIP) approach, reflects a disciplined approach to wealth accumulation. With diversified exposure across equity and gold funds, you're positioned to benefit from market growth and hedge against volatility.

Analyzing Mutual Fund Selection and Allocation
The allocation towards diversified equity funds such as Mirae Large and Midcap, SBI Smallcap, ICICI Value Discovery, and Quant Active Fund demonstrates a balanced approach towards capital appreciation and risk management. Additionally, the inclusion of Axis Gold Fund provides a hedge against inflation and geopolitical uncertainties.

Reviewing LIC Policy and Long-Term Commitments
Your investment in LIC, with an annual premium of ?1,00,000 for a 15-year term, underscores your focus on long-term financial planning and protection. While traditional insurance products offer financial security, it's essential to evaluate their suitability vis-a-vis your broader investment objectives and risk tolerance.

Projecting Future Financial Requirements
With a targeted corpus of ?2 crore for each child's education over the next 15 years and ?2 crore for their marriage over the subsequent 20 years, your aspirations reflect a prudent anticipation of future expenses and life events. It's imperative to align your investment strategy accordingly to achieve these ambitious milestones.

Assessing Progress Towards Financial Goals
Based on your current portfolio value of ?13.50 lakhs and the expected growth trajectory, we'll project the future corpus size and evaluate its adequacy in meeting your targeted financial goals. This assessment involves factoring in the anticipated rate of return, inflationary pressures, and any adjustments required to optimize your investment strategy.

Providing Strategic Recommendations
To enhance the probability of achieving your desired corpus of ?4 crore, we may consider recalibrating your SIP allocations based on evolving market dynamics, revisiting the asset allocation to ensure optimal risk-adjusted returns, and exploring avenues for portfolio diversification to mitigate concentration risk.

Conclusion: Navigating Towards Financial Fulfillment
In conclusion, your commitment to securing your children's future through disciplined investing and prudent financial planning sets a solid foundation for realizing your aspirations. By continually monitoring and fine-tuning your investment strategy in alignment with your evolving goals, you're well-positioned to navigate the journey towards financial fulfillment with confidence.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on Jun 09, 2021

Listen
Money
Below are the details of my portfolio. I need your assessment if I am on track. Name of funds: Mirae Asset Large Cap fund - Monthly SIP INR 4000/- since Jan 2020.  Current value INR 80896/- Axis Bluechip fund - Monthly SIP INR 2000/- since Jan 2020.  Current value INR 36547/- Tata India Tax Savings fund - Monthly SIP INR 2000/- since July 2017.  Current value INR 1.23 lakh/- Kotak Flexi Cap fund - Monthly SIP INR 2000/- since Jan 2020.  Current value INR 32652/- Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund - Monthly SIP INR 2000/- since Feb 2021.  Current value INR 6292/- Besides that, I invest in below as well: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana - INR 12500/- monthly since 2020. NPS - INR 12500/- in Tier 1 since 2014 & INR 12500/- in Tier 2 since 2021 FD - INR 20 lakhs since Jan, 2019 @ 5.25% interest.  Goals: 1- Daughter’s higher education:   17 years away, Amount needed around 1 crore 2- Daughter’s marriage: 26 years away, Amount needed around 1.2 crore 3- Retirement: 31 years away, Amount needed around 8 crore
Ans: Funds are good, however with current Investments 1 and 2nd Goal can be achieved, however to achieve 3 additional Investment is required.

i.e. for 1 crs in 17 years , Investment required is Rs. 15,000 per month

for 1.2 crs in 26 years, additional Investment requirement is Rs. 4000 per month

For Retirement 8 crs in 31 years, additional Investment required is Rs. 16,000 per month

Therefore total monthly investment required to achieve all targets are Rs. 35000 per month

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 2024

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 26, 2024Hindi
Money
Dear Team, I have been investing for my 2 child's education, marriage and my retirement. My age: 41 years Please suggest if any changes required in below portfolio and if I could meet my goals. 1st Child education: 8 years Present cost: 30 Lakh 1st Child marriage: 15 years Present cost: 20 lakh 2nd Child education: 18 years Present cost: 30 Lakh 2nd Child marriage: 27 years Present cost: 20 lakh Retirement Income: 14 years Current Need: 1 Lakh monthly --- Investment value: NPS: 22 lakh also 17000 rs sip EPF: 34 lakh also 40000 rs sip PPF: 10 lakh Direct Equity: 2 lakh 1.5 Cr life insurance 10+90 lakh health insurance Need specific advice on how to dump underperforming mutual fund? Need to pay huge taxes on redemption? That's the reason didn't sale those funds. 1. Miare Large&Midcap 35 lakh(12.5 k sip) 2. Mirae Large cap: 30 Lakh 10ksip 3. ICICI bluechip: 46 lakh 20k sip 4. Axis Midcap: 39 lakh 10k sip 5. Nippon Growth: 33 lakh 20ksip 6. Axis25: 22 lakh 7. Nippon multicap: 12 lakh 20ksip 8. SBI focused: 65 lakh 10ksip 9. HSBC Smallcap: 26 lakh 10ksip 10.Nippon smallcap: 52 lakh 30ksip 11. Axis long term equity: 20 lakh
Ans: Your portfolio looks impressive. Let’s break down your goals and assess your investments to see if any changes are needed.

Understanding Your Goals
First Child's Education:

8 years away
Present cost: Rs. 30 lakh
First Child's Marriage:

15 years away
Present cost: Rs. 20 lakh
Second Child's Education:

18 years away
Present cost: Rs. 30 lakh
Second Child's Marriage:

27 years away
Present cost: Rs. 20 lakh
Retirement Income:

14 years away
Current need: Rs. 1 lakh monthly
Current Investment Portfolio
NPS: Rs. 22 lakh + Rs. 17,000 SIP
EPF: Rs. 34 lakh + Rs. 40,000 SIP
PPF: Rs. 10 lakh
Direct Equity: Rs. 2 lakh
Life Insurance: Rs. 1.5 crore
Health Insurance: Rs. 10 + 90 lakh
Mutual Fund Investments
Mirae Large & Midcap: Rs. 35 lakh (Rs. 12,500 SIP)
Mirae Large Cap: Rs. 30 lakh (Rs. 10,000 SIP)
ICICI Bluechip: Rs. 46 lakh (Rs. 20,000 SIP)
Axis Midcap: Rs. 39 lakh (Rs. 10,000 SIP)
Nippon Growth: Rs. 33 lakh (Rs. 20,000 SIP)
Axis 25: Rs. 22 lakh
Nippon Multicap: Rs. 12 lakh (Rs. 20,000 SIP)
SBI Focused: Rs. 65 lakh (Rs. 10,000 SIP)
HSBC Smallcap: Rs. 26 lakh (Rs. 10,000 SIP)
Nippon Smallcap: Rs. 52 lakh (Rs. 30,000 SIP)
Axis Long Term Equity: Rs. 20 lakh
Evaluating Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is well-diversified. However, there are a few areas to focus on.

Dumping Underperforming Mutual Funds
It’s essential to evaluate the performance of each fund.

If a fund consistently underperforms, it might be time to switch.

Consider the following points:

Look at the fund’s performance over a 3-5 year period.
Compare it with its benchmark and peers.
Check the fund manager’s track record.
Tax Implications on Redemption
Selling mutual funds can incur taxes. Here’s what you need to know:

Short-term Capital Gains (STCG): If held for less than 1 year, taxed at 15%.
Long-term Capital Gains (LTCG): If held for more than 1 year, taxed at 10% on gains above Rs. 1 lakh.
To manage taxes, consider the following strategies:

Spread redemptions over multiple financial years.
Use losses from other investments to offset gains.
Investment Strategy for Goals
First Child’s Education (8 years away)
For goals 7-10 years away, a mix of equity and debt is ideal.

Consider these steps:

Continue with your current SIPs in equity funds.
Add some debt funds to reduce risk.
First Child’s Marriage (15 years away)
This goal is medium-term.

Focus on:

Increasing SIPs in large and midcap funds.
Adding some balanced advantage funds for stability.
Second Child’s Education (18 years away)
This goal is long-term.

Stick with:

Equity mutual funds for high growth.
Increase SIPs in midcap and smallcap funds.
Second Child’s Marriage (27 years away)
This goal is very long-term.

Invest in:

Equity funds, especially smallcap and midcap.
Increase SIPs in growth-oriented funds.
Retirement Income (14 years away)
For retirement, focus on a balanced portfolio.

Consider:

Increasing investments in NPS and PPF for stability.
Continuing SIPs in large cap and bluechip funds for growth.
Mutual Funds: Categories and Benefits
Equity Mutual Funds
These invest in stocks and aim for high returns.

Ideal for long-term goals due to their growth potential.

Debt Mutual Funds
Invest in fixed-income instruments like bonds.

Offer stable returns with lower risk.

Good for short to medium-term goals.

Hybrid Mutual Funds
Mix of equity and debt investments.

Balance risk and return, suitable for medium-term goals.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Actively Managed Funds
Fund managers make investment decisions to outperform the market.

Higher fees but potential for better returns.

Index Funds
Track a market index, have lower fees.

May not always outperform the market.

Given your goals, actively managed funds might be better.

They offer higher potential returns to meet your future needs.

Direct Equity vs. Mutual Funds
Direct Equity
Investing directly in stocks can be rewarding but risky.

Requires time and expertise to pick the right stocks.

Mutual Funds
Professionally managed, diversified, and less risky.

Regular funds through a CFP provide guidance and reduce risk.

Power of Compounding
The earlier you start, the more you benefit from compounding.

Even small investments grow significantly over time.

Start SIPs early and increase them gradually.

Insurance and Investments
Your life and health insurance coverage is good.

Focus on pure investment options for wealth growth.

Avoid mixing insurance with investment.

Tax Planning
Tax-Saving Mutual Funds (ELSS)
ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C.

They have a lock-in period of 3 years and provide good returns.

Diversifying for Tax Efficiency
Diversify your investments to optimize tax benefits.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized tax planning.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly review your investment portfolio.

Rebalance it based on market conditions and your goals.

This ensures your investments stay aligned with your objectives.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is strong and well-diversified.

Evaluate and possibly switch underperforming mutual funds.

Manage tax implications carefully during redemptions.

Continue investing in mutual funds for different goals.

Diversify across equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Leverage the power of compounding by starting early and increasing investments over time.

Monitor and rebalance your portfolio regularly.

With consistent effort and smart planning, you’ll achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

Career
Sir I got 68676 in comedk Can you suggest good colleges forCSE or CSE specialization
Ans: Ramya, With a COMEDK rank of 68,676 in 2025, you have viable options for admission to reputable engineering colleges in Karnataka for CSE and its specializations. You can confidently secure seats at numerous recognized institutions where the latest cutoffs range between 63,000 and 1,20,000 for core CSE and closely related specializations. Here are 15 colleges where admission is fully feasible: CMR Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Acharya Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Atria Institute of Technology (Bangalore), New Horizon College of Engineering (Bangalore), Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (Bangalore), BNM Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Sapthagiri College of Engineering (Bangalore), Don Bosco Institute of Technology (Bangalore), AMC Engineering College (Bangalore), Cambridge Institute of Technology (Bangalore), East Point College of Engineering (Bangalore), Gopalan College of Engineering and Management (Bangalore), Rajarajeswari College of Engineering (Bangalore), and Sai Vidya Institute of Technology (Bangalore). These colleges routinely offer CSE and specializations such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Information Science, all supported by established infrastructure, diverse peer groups, faculty with advanced degrees, recognized accreditations, and campus-level placement cells. Their cut-off history ensures fair seat allocation for your current rank bracket.

Recommendation: Prioritize CMR Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Acharya Institute of Technology (Bangalore), Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (Bangalore), and BNM Institute of Technology (Bangalore). This order is justified by established NIRF rankings, steady placement percentages (60–90% in CSE streams), modern campus amenities, regular project-based learning, and a proven track record of producing employable graduates across the IT sector in Karnataka and beyond. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2025Hindi
Career
My son is getting civil at bits pilani + rmit 2+2 program and cse at vit-ap cat-2 What should we choose
Ans: The BITS Pilani + RMIT 2+2 Civil Engineering program offers an international dual-degree pathway, granting a B.E. from BITS Pilani and a Bachelor’s from RMIT Australia. Students complete two years at BITS Pilani—renowned for nearly 100% placement rates in core engineering and a prestigious reputation—then transfer to RMIT for global research exposure, advanced industry collaborations, and a second recognized degree. RMIT is a top-ranked university known for its employability outcomes and practical learning, and the dual-degree substantially enhances career prospects worldwide. VIT-AP’s Computer Science Engineering (CSE) program under Category 2 ensures placement rates above 90%, excellent infrastructure, and industry-aligned curriculum, with 1000+ recruiters participating and strong records in IT sector roles for CSE graduates. VIT-AP is lauded for hands-on learning, active placement cell, and opportunities in the fast-growing tech industry, making it a robust choice for software-focused careers. While VIT-AP CSE opens doors to IT and allied opportunities, BITS Pilani + RMIT provides unmatched exposure, global credentials, and broader professional mobility in engineering domains.

Recommendation: If your priority is global exposure, academic flexibility, and broad international opportunities in engineering and related fields, prioritize BITS Pilani + RMIT 2+2 Civil. Should your focus be on a strong software foundation and rapid industry integration in India’s tech sector, VIT-AP CSE is preferred. The BITS-RMIT program stands out for long-term value and international scope. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

Career
SIR I should go for HBTU (IT) or IIIT VADODARA DIU CAMPUS (ELECTRONICS)?
Ans: Kritika, HBTU’s Information Technology program consistently records placement percentages between 85–90%, supported by a highly qualified faculty (many with PhDs from IITs and NITs) and a long-standing reputation for producing industry-ready graduates. The campus is equipped with advanced labs, updated digital resources, and maintains strong ties with top recruiters in IT and consulting sectors. Batch sizes are moderate, ensuring quality academic mentoring, and the supportive alumni network promotes career growth. In contrast, IIIT Vadodara Diu Campus (Electronics) is a newer institute, operating from a well-facilitated educational hub, but still developing its industry partnerships and placement support specifically for electronics; recent campus data showcase improving placements but with less consistency, and infrastructure is modern but evolving. The electronics branch here faces greater competition for high-tech positions compared to computer-related domains.

Recommendation: HBTU IT stands out for established placements, recognized industry connections, strong academic culture, and proven output in software-oriented careers. Unless you have a distinct passion for electronics or a compelling reason for preferring a satellite IIIT campus, HBTU IT offers the most reliable outcomes for both learning and employability. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

Career
My son got IIT Dharwad B.S/M.S Interdisciplinary sciences and BITS Hyderabad Mechanical through BITSAT currently. He may have potential chances of getting NIT Warangal MnC/ECE or IIIT Delhi CSE through DASA. Which one is better in the order of preference
Ans: Venkata Sir, IIIT Delhi’s Computer Science Engineering (CSE) program is nationally recognized for its rigorous curriculum, 90–100% placement rate, leading industry connections, and high-impact research output, making it one of the best platforms for a technology-driven career. The program consistently attracts top recruiters and maintains strong alumni engagement in global tech sectors. NIT Warangal’s Mathematics and Computing (MnC) and Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) branches also offer strong academic grounding, modern labs, and recorded placement rates above 88% in core tech domains, with the ECE branch now routinely achieving average placement rates above 80% and MnC offering excellent flexibility for careers in data science, software, and analytics. BITS Hyderabad’s Mechanical Engineering program combines a tradition of academic excellence with research-oriented faculty, excellent infrastructure, and a placement percentage above 85% in recent years, while producing graduates who succeed in both core and tech industries and pursue higher studies internationally. IIT Dharwad’s BS/MS Interdisciplinary Sciences is a new, innovative program focused on multidisciplinary skill development with exposure to advanced labs and faculty, but as a new course and newer IIT, it does not yet match the placement rates or alumni reach of the other institutes; its placement rate hovers near 70% and career paths are diverse, with greater emphasis on research and interdisciplinary skills rather than direct tech sector placement.

Recommendation: The optimal order is IIIT Delhi CSE (for career, placements, tech flexibility), NIT Warangal MnC/ECE (for academic reputation and solid placements in both analytics and electronics), BITS Hyderabad Mechanical (for reputable core engineering, good placements, and global exposure), and finally IIT Dharwad BS/MS Interdisciplinary Sciences (for those pursuing interdisciplinary research but less certainty in direct placements). All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8978 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

Career
Sir I have scored 83 percentile in MHT cet 2025 what are the best college option for me in Mumbai region
Ans: Aryan, With an 83 percentile in MHT-CET 2025 as a Maharashtra domicile General Category student, you are eligible for BTech admission to several well-regarded engineering colleges in the Mumbai region, excluding the most competitive ones like COEP, VJTI, and ICT, which have significantly higher cutoffs. The following colleges in Mumbai provide feasible admission opportunities based on previous years' cutoffs and are recognized for their reliable placement support, modern infrastructure, NBA/NAAC accreditation, and industry-aligned programs: Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (Andheri), K J Somaiya Institute of Technology (Sion), Vidyalankar Institute of Technology (Wadala), Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues Institute of Technology (Vashi), Xavier Institute of Engineering (Mahim), Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering (Navi Mumbai), SIES Graduate School of Technology (Nerul), Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology (Navi Mumbai), St. Francis Institute of Technology (Borivali), Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (Versova), Don Bosco Institute of Technology (Kurla), Shah & Anchor Kutchhi Engineering College (Chembur), MGM’s College of Engineering (Kamothe, Navi Mumbai), Atharva College of Engineering (Malad), and Pillai College of Engineering (New Panvel). Across these institutions, your score is within the realistic admission range for most branches, including Mechanical, Civil, Electronics/EXTC, and sometimes Information Technology or Computer Science, depending on current year trends and final branch cutoffs; official college portals and admission records substantiate this eligibility for the 2025 cycle.

Recommendation: For optimal academic and professional growth, consider Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (Andheri), K J Somaiya Institute of Technology (Sion), Vidyalankar Institute of Technology (Wadala), Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues Institute of Technology (Vashi), and Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology (Navi Mumbai) as the highest-priority choices. These colleges offer robust campus infrastructure, industry recognition, strong placement networks, and a history of producing successful engineering graduates. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x