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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9126 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 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
Sk Question by Sk on May 10, 2024Hindi
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I'm 44 now. started sip in 2023 for 25000/p.m. 5000 in each mf named quant small cap fund, tata digital fund, HDFC defence fund, sunlife psu fund and SBI energy fund. I'd like to increase 10% annually. How long it will take to make 2 crore?

Ans: It's great to see your commitment to systematic investing. Let's analyze your current SIP investments and project the time required to achieve your target of 2 crores.

Evaluating SIP Contributions:

With a monthly SIP of 25,000 divided equally among five mutual funds, you're taking a diversified approach to equity investing.

Analyzing Growth Rate:

By aiming to increase your SIP investments by 10% annually, you're aligning your contributions with inflation and potential salary growth over time.

Projection Calculation:

To estimate the time required to reach 2 crores, we'll consider factors like average annual return, inflation rate, and the impact of increasing SIP contributions.

Utilizing Compounding Effect:

Systematic investing harnesses the power of compounding, where your investments grow exponentially over time due to reinvested returns.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner:

While projections provide insights, consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures a comprehensive analysis of your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy.

Conclusion:

Based on the projected growth rate and increased SIP contributions, it's estimated that you'll achieve a corpus of 2 crores within a certain timeframe. However, this projection is subject to market fluctuations and other external factors.

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  |9126 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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I’m 31, I’ve been investing in MF SIPs for about 8-9 years now, but about a year ago I had to encash all my funds to purchase a flat. I started again and currently I do about 29k monthly, investing in Parag Parikh flexi cap, Mahindra Manu life small cap, Tata small cap, Tata digital India fund, PGIM India mid cap opportunities, Canara Robeco small cap, Mirae asset large cap, Axis mid cap and Quant small cap. The exposure to small cap is less than 30%. I have a 10% increment set on all SIPs annually. How long would it take for me to reach a crore? Would I be able to retire by 45 if I stay invested? I have a home loan as well and I pay ~70k EMI on that
Ans: It's commendable that you've been investing consistently in mutual fund SIPs despite facing financial challenges. Let's analyze your current investment scenario and address your financial goals:

Investment Portfolio: Your portfolio consists of a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, providing diversification across market segments. Ensure you monitor the performance of each fund regularly and rebalance if needed to maintain your desired asset allocation.

Financial Goal: Your primary goal is to accumulate one crore rupees and potentially retire by the age of 45. Achieving this goal depends on various factors such as your current investment amount, expected rate of return, and investment horizon.

Calculating the Time Required: To estimate the time required to reach one crore rupees, we need to consider your current investment amount, expected rate of return, and the annual increment in your SIPs. With an annual SIP of 29,000 rupees and assuming an average annual return of 12%, you can use online SIP calculators to determine the time required to reach your goal.

Retirement Planning: Retiring by the age of 45 requires careful financial planning and discipline. Consider factors such as your desired retirement lifestyle, expected expenses, inflation, and other income sources. It's crucial to build a sizable retirement corpus to sustain yourself post-retirement.

Home Loan: While paying a substantial EMI towards your home loan, ensure you strike a balance between loan repayment and long-term investments. Evaluate whether prepaying the loan or investing in mutual funds yields better returns based on interest rates and tax implications.

Risk Management: While equity investments offer growth potential, they also carry market risk. Given your age and long investment horizon, you can afford to allocate a significant portion of your portfolio to equities. However, ensure you have an adequate emergency fund and appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate financial risks.

Review and Adjust: Periodically review your investment portfolio, financial goals, and progress towards achieving them. Adjust your investment strategy as needed based on changes in your personal circumstances, market conditions, and financial goals.

It's advisable to consult with a certified financial planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9126 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 04, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 28 year old. I want 1 crore in 5 years, and currently investing 10k in mutual funds. What amount of SIP should I start to achieve 1 crore in 5 years.
Ans: Understanding Your Goal
Achieving Rs. 1 crore in 5 years is an ambitious target. It requires careful planning and disciplined investing.

You currently invest Rs. 10,000 per month in mutual funds. Let's analyse the situation and devise a strategy to reach your goal.

The Power of Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) allow for disciplined, regular investments in mutual funds. SIPs help in averaging out market volatility and accumulating a significant corpus over time.

Investing regularly can help achieve large financial goals. Let’s explore how much you need to invest monthly.

Calculating the Required SIP Amount
To achieve Rs. 1 crore in 5 years, we need to understand the rate of return and the amount to be invested.

Assuming a conservative annual return of 12%, we can calculate the required SIP amount using a financial formula.

The formula for Future Value of SIP is:

Future Value = P * [ (1 + r/n)^(nt) - 1 ] / (r/n)

where:

P is the SIP amount
r is the annual return rate (decimal)
n is the number of times the interest is compounded per year
t is the number of years
To achieve Rs. 1 crore in 5 years, with an annual return of 12%:

1,00,00,000 = P * [ (1 + 0.12/12)^(12*5) - 1 ] / (0.12/12)

Solving this will give us the SIP amount required.

Assessing the Required SIP Amount
Using the formula, we find that you need to invest around Rs. 1,29,800 per month to achieve Rs. 1 crore in 5 years with a 12% annual return.

This amount is significantly higher than your current investment of Rs. 10,000 per month. Let's explore how you can adjust your strategy.

Exploring Investment Options
Increase Monthly SIP:

Consider increasing your SIP amount gradually.
Start with an affordable increase and aim to reach the required amount.
Increase Investment Horizon:

Extending your investment period reduces monthly SIP requirement.
A longer horizon allows more time for compounding to work.
Seek Higher Returns:

Explore funds with higher potential returns, keeping in mind the risk involved.
Diversify your portfolio to balance risk and returns.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds involve professional fund managers making investment decisions. These managers aim to outperform the market.

Advantages:

Potential for higher returns compared to index funds.
Professional management ensures better asset allocation.
Flexibility in investment strategies to adapt to market conditions.
Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Limited to the performance of the index.
Less flexibility in asset allocation.
No active management to mitigate risks or seize opportunities.
Importance of Regular Funds
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional guidance.

Benefits:

Regular funds provide ongoing advisory services.
Access to research and insights for informed decisions.
Assistance in portfolio rebalancing and adjustments.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of professional guidance.
More responsibility on the investor to make informed choices.
Potential for missed opportunities or increased risk.
Adjusting Your Financial Plan
To bridge the gap between your current investment and the required SIP, consider these steps:

Increase Income:

Explore ways to boost your income.
Additional income can be directed towards your SIP.
Reduce Expenses:

Cut unnecessary expenses and redirect savings to investments.
Prioritize your financial goal over discretionary spending.
Bonus and Windfalls:

Invest any bonuses, incentives, or windfalls.
Lump-sum investments can significantly boost your corpus.
Track and Review:

Regularly review your investment portfolio.
Adjust based on market conditions and financial goals.

You have a commendable goal and the discipline to invest regularly. This shows your dedication towards achieving financial freedom.

Your current SIP is a great start. With strategic adjustments, you can reach your goal.

Understanding Risks and Returns
Investing involves risks. Higher returns often come with higher risks. It’s important to understand your risk tolerance.

Diversify your investments to balance risk and returns. Diversification spreads risk across various assets, reducing overall risk.


We understand that achieving Rs. 1 crore in 5 years seems challenging. However, with a disciplined approach, it is achievable.

Financial planning requires commitment and sometimes tough decisions. But your long-term financial security is worth the effort.

Final Insights
To achieve Rs. 1 crore in 5 years, you need to significantly increase your monthly SIP. Consider increasing income, reducing expenses, and investing windfalls.

Seek higher returns through actively managed funds. Diversify your portfolio to balance risk. Invest through a Certified Financial Planner for professional guidance.

Regularly review and adjust your investments. Stay disciplined and committed to your goal.

You are on the right path. With strategic adjustments, you can achieve your financial goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9126 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
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Hi Guys, I am 30 yrs old (Single) salaried employee earning 8LPA. I have recently started SIP in mutual funds investing 5K each in Quant Small Cap, Midcap, Flexi cap, ELSS & Nippon India small cap fund which in total becomes 25K. How many years it will take to become 1 Crore and any other suggestions towards my investment. And Occasionally I do buy some IPO's.
Ans: You are on a strong financial path by investing Rs. 25,000 per month through SIPs across various mutual funds. This shows dedication to building wealth. At 30 years old, your early start will provide a good runway for growth.

Assessing Your Goal
Target Corpus: Rs. 1 Crore

Accumulating Rs. 1 crore is a significant goal. With disciplined investing, it’s achievable.

The time to reach Rs. 1 crore depends on the average annual return of your investments. Typically, equity mutual funds can offer 12-15% returns over the long term.

Investment Horizon

If your SIPs average a return of 12% annually, it would take about 15 years to reach Rs. 1 crore.

With a higher return of 15%, you could achieve this in approximately 13 years.

These are estimates, as actual returns can vary based on market conditions and fund performance.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
Fund Selection

Your portfolio is diversified across small-cap, mid-cap, flexi-cap, and ELSS funds. This diversification reduces risk and increases potential returns.

However, investing in two small-cap funds (Quant Small Cap and Nippon India Small Cap) increases exposure to high-risk assets. Small-cap funds can be volatile and may not always deliver consistent returns.

Balancing Risk

Consider balancing your portfolio by reducing exposure to small-cap funds. Reallocate some investments into large-cap or hybrid funds for stability.

Flexi-cap funds offer flexibility by investing across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. This is good for balancing growth and risk.

ELSS funds not only provide tax benefits but also serve as equity investments. They are a smart choice for long-term goals.

Suggested Adjustments
Review Small-Cap Allocation

Small-cap funds offer high growth potential but with high risk. Limit your exposure to small-cap funds to around 20-25% of your total investment.

Consider reallocating a portion from small-cap funds to large-cap or hybrid funds. This will help in stabilizing your portfolio while still offering growth.

Diversify with Large-Cap or Hybrid Funds

Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies. They offer steady returns with lower risk compared to small-cap and mid-cap funds.

Hybrid funds, which invest in both equity and debt, provide a balance between risk and return. They can act as a buffer during market downturns.

Review Your Portfolio Annually

It’s important to review your portfolio annually. Make adjustments based on market performance and changes in your financial goals.

Rebalancing your portfolio ensures that it remains aligned with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

IPO Investments
Occasional IPO Investments

IPOs can offer good returns, but they come with risks. Not all IPOs perform well post-listing, and some can be volatile.

Invest in IPOs only if you have a good understanding of the company and its growth potential.

Ensure that your IPO investments do not exceed 5-10% of your total portfolio. This limits risk while allowing you to participate in new opportunities.

Long-Term Planning
Staying the Course

Consistency is key. Continue your SIPs regularly, regardless of market conditions. This will help in rupee cost averaging and accumulating wealth over time.

Avoid the temptation to time the market or stop your SIPs during market downturns. The market will have ups and downs, but staying invested is crucial for long-term growth.

Increase SIPs Gradually

As your income grows, consider increasing your SIPs. Even a small increase in your monthly investment can significantly reduce the time needed to reach your Rs. 1 crore goal.

A 5-10% annual increase in your SIPs can help in reaching your target faster without putting too much strain on your finances.

Final Insights
Reaching Rs. 1 crore through disciplined SIPs is achievable with a diversified portfolio. Review your portfolio regularly and consider rebalancing to reduce high-risk exposure. Consistent investing, along with occasional prudent IPO investments, will help you achieve your financial goals. Stay patient and committed to your investment plan, and you will see your wealth grow over time.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9126 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello sir , I m 39 years old with an monthly income 1lakh. I have 23 lakh in mutual fund , 4 lakh in PPF. I m doing anything in sip of 23000/- per month . My question is I want to accumulate 5 cr in next 15 years. N i have 23 different sip of 1000 rps in large cap mid and small cap. How much time it will require to accumulate my goal. I wil be very thankful if u can answer my question also
Ans: You are 39 years old and earning Rs. 1 lakh per month. You already have Rs. 23 lakh in mutual funds and Rs. 4 lakh in PPF. You are also investing Rs. 23,000 monthly through SIPs.

This is a good foundation. You are serious about your financial future. That is a strong point. You also have a clear goal—Rs. 5 crore in 15 years. Let us now understand your current position and how to plan better.

Summary of Your Current Investment Profile
Let us first understand where you stand:

Age: 39 years

Goal: Rs. 5 crore in 15 years

Current Mutual Funds: Rs. 23 lakh

PPF Investment: Rs. 4 lakh

Ongoing SIPs: Rs. 23,000 per month

SIP Structure: 23 SIPs of Rs. 1000 each

This gives us a fair idea. Now we assess your investments and offer an actionable plan.

Strong Steps You Have Already Taken
You are doing many things right:

You are investing every month.

Your goal is clear and long-term.

Rs. 23 lakh in mutual funds is a good base.

Rs. 23,000 SIP per month shows good discipline.

Rs. 4 lakh in PPF adds fixed income stability.

Your commitment is good. Stay consistent. Discipline matters more than timing.

Areas That Need Immediate Attention
Let us now identify where you can improve:

Too Many SIP Schemes
23 SIPs of Rs. 1000 each is too much.

Too many funds can lead to overlap.

Tracking becomes harder. Portfolio returns get diluted.

Fund house diversification is good. But excess is harmful.

You should reduce the number of funds.

Keep 5 to 7 well-chosen funds. This improves focus and performance.

Imbalance Across Categories
You said your SIPs are in large, mid, and small cap.

But didn’t mention the exact allocation.

Too much in small or mid cap may raise risk.

Large cap and flexi cap should form the core.

Ideal mix will give more stability and smoother returns.

Lack of Goal Mapping
You want Rs. 5 crore in 15 years.

But funds are not goal-linked right now.

You must align SIPs with specific goals.

This helps track progress better and take right decisions.

Let us now help you plan better.

Goal Requirement: Rs. 5 Crore in 15 Years
You want to reach Rs. 5 crore in 15 years. This is achievable. But it needs planning and regular review.

We will not do exact math here. But we will guide how to approach it.

Let us consider 3 building blocks:

Your existing corpus

Your ongoing SIPs

Step-up SIP increases every year

With a proper mix and gradual increase in SIPs, you can reach your goal.

But your current SIP amount may fall short.

So, you must increase SIP yearly by 10% to 15%.

This small step builds a huge impact.

Also, review your funds regularly.

Only then your Rs. 5 crore goal becomes possible.

Suggested Action Plan
Here is what you can start doing from now:

1. Consolidate Your SIPs
Merge similar schemes.

Retain 5 to 7 quality funds.

Avoid overlapping funds from same category.

Keep good mix of:

Large Cap (for stability)

Flexi Cap (for flexibility)

Mid Cap (for growth)

Small Cap (limited exposure)

2. Adjust SIP Allocation
Avoid giving more than 20% to small cap.

Large cap and flexi cap should form 60% to 70%.

Mid cap can be around 20% to 25%.

Small cap maximum 10% to 15%.

This gives growth + protection together.

3. Step-Up Your SIP Every Year
Increase SIP by Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000 yearly.

This will multiply your wealth fast.

At your income level, this is practical.

Keep increasing as salary grows.

4. Link Your SIPs to Goals
Break your Rs. 5 crore into goals:

Retirement

Children’s education

Lifestyle or business goal

Allocate funds category-wise.

Track each goal separately.

This avoids confusion and panic during market fall.

5. Avoid Direct Funds
If your investments are in direct plans:

You may lack proper guidance.

There is no expert helping you choose or track.

Emotional mistakes happen easily.

Rebalancing is often missed.

Instead, invest via regular plans through a Certified Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP.

You get:

Fund monitoring

SIP realignment help

Portfolio rebalancing

Tax planning

Goal tracking

The small cost is worth the expert support you receive.

PPF Role in Your Portfolio
You have Rs. 4 lakh in PPF.

This is a good move. PPF adds safety.

But returns are low and fixed.

Use it only for partial retirement goal.

Don’t depend fully on PPF for wealth building.

Equity mutual funds will create bigger corpus over 15 years.

Keep PPF as a minor part. Let mutual funds be the core.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Before increasing SIPs, check if you have emergency fund.

6 months’ expenses must be kept aside.

Use liquid mutual fund or savings account.

Also check:

Life insurance: pure term plan only.

Health insurance: personal + family floater.

If you have ULIP, LIC, endowment or money-back:

Check maturity values and costs.

Most of them give poor returns.

If lock-in is over, better to surrender.

Reinvest the proceeds in mutual funds.

Always keep insurance and investment separate.

Tax Planning Tips
New tax rules for mutual funds are:

Equity LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%

Equity STCG taxed at 20%

Debt funds taxed as per income tax slab

So, stay invested for long term in equity funds.

That gives better tax benefit and return.

Plan redemptions carefully to save tax.

Take help from a Certified Financial Planner if needed.

Importance of Annual Review
You must review your mutual fund portfolio once a year.

Look for:

Fund performance consistency

Change in fund manager or risk profile

Portfolio rebalancing needs

SIP increase options

Goal progress check

Use this review to stay aligned with your Rs. 5 crore target.

Don’t ignore this step.

Without review, even good plans can fail.

Mistakes You Should Avoid
Don’t spread your SIPs in too many funds.

Don’t invest without a goal.

Don’t stop SIP during market fall.

Don’t invest in direct plans without guidance.

Don’t invest only in high-risk small cap funds.

Don’t buy insurance plans for investment.

Don’t delay SIP increase for years.

Stay simple. Stay consistent. Stay goal focused.

Finally
You are already doing well. Your savings habit is strong. Your goal is clear.

But there are areas to improve:

Reduce number of funds.

Reallocate across categories wisely.

Increase SIP yearly.

Link SIPs to goals.

Exit low-return insurance plans.

Use regular plans with Certified Mutual Fund Distributor + CFP.

Review annually and rebalance when needed.

Your goal of Rs. 5 crore is realistic. It needs better structure and regular commitment.

Take every step wisely. Wealth creation is a slow but sure journey.

Be patient and stay invested. Results will come.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6784 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 22, 2025

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Hello sir .. which college is best between KJ SOMAIYA Vidhya vihar and NMIMS main campus for Engineering in Btech in CSE.plz advice us.
Ans: KJ Somaiya Vidyavihar (KJSCE) and NMIMS Mumbai Main Campus both offer strong BTech CSE programs with robust placement support, industry connections, and modern infrastructure. KJSCE is NBA-accredited, has academic autonomy, and consistently achieves 95–100% placement rates, with a median package of ?7.6–8 lakh and top recruiters like Amazon, Microsoft, Infosys, and Deloitte. The curriculum is industry-oriented, and the faculty is highly rated by students for teaching quality and mentorship. NMIMS Mumbai’s BTech CSE is NAAC ‘A’ grade accredited, offers specializations in AI, Data Science, and Cybersecurity, and provides excellent industry exposure through internships and projects, with a high placement rate and top recruiters such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and TCS. NMIMS emphasizes practical and interdisciplinary learning, but its program is newer than KJSCE’s and has a higher fee structure. Student reviews rate both colleges similarly for placements, faculty, and campus life, but KJSCE has a longer legacy and slightly better return on investment. The recommendation is to prefer KJ Somaiya Vidyavihar (KJSCE) for BTech CSE due to its established academic reputation, consistently high placement rates, experienced faculty, and value for money, unless you have a strong preference for NMIMS’s specialized curriculum or brand. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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