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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 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 06, 2024Hindi
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I'm having 35L lumpsum. Please suggest investment strategies to make it to 1CR in roughly 5 YEARS or before. Experienced & Professionals please suggest. I need help. Please.???? Your valuable insights & suggestions are MOST WELCOME. THANKS IN ADVANCE. KINDLY HELP ????????????

Ans: let's approach this with a realistic perspective. Achieving a 1 crore target in just 5 years from a 35 lakh lump sum is quite ambitious and may involve high-risk strategies. It's essential to understand that aiming for quick riches often leads to disappointment and potential loss of principal.

Instead of chasing unrealistic targets, focus on sustainable wealth-building strategies. Consider allocating your lump sum across a diversified portfolio of assets such as equity mutual funds, debt instruments, and possibly some exposure to real estate investment trusts (REITs) or gold ETFs for stability.

Aiming for a reasonable annualized return of around 12-15% is more realistic over the long term. Remember, slow and steady wins the race in wealth accumulation. Avoid falling for get-rich-quick schemes or high-risk investments promising unrealistically high returns.

Prioritize your financial goals, whether it's wealth creation, retirement planning, or other objectives, and tailor your investment strategy accordingly. Consult with a certified financial planner to create a personalized investment plan aligned with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.

In conclusion, while it may not be feasible to achieve a 1 crore target in just 5 years with a 35 lakh investment, adopting a disciplined and diversified approach to investing can help you steadily build wealth over time.

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  |9255 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 10, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 49 years old and have received a lumpsum of 5lacs and want to maximize benefits in 7-8 years. What are the best investment options?
Ans: It's great that you're looking to maximize the benefits of your lump sum investment. Let's explore options that can help you achieve your financial goals within the 7-8 year timeframe.

Understanding Your Investment Horizon:

Given your 7-8 year investment horizon, we'll focus on avenues that offer growth potential while balancing risk to optimize returns.

Analyzing Investment Options:

We'll explore various investment options, considering factors like risk tolerance, liquidity requirements, and potential returns.

Considering Equity Investments:

Investing in equity mutual funds or diversified equity portfolios can potentially offer attractive returns over the long term. However, equity investments carry higher risk and are subject to market fluctuations.

Exploring Debt Instruments:

Debt instruments like fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, or government bonds provide stability and predictable returns, making them suitable for short to medium-term investment goals.

Balancing Risk and Return:

To maximize benefits within the specified timeframe, we'll create a balanced portfolio that combines equity and debt investments based on your risk appetite and investment horizon.

Utilizing Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):

If you opt for equity investments, consider utilizing Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) to invest regularly and benefit from rupee cost averaging.

Exploring Tax-Saving Options:

If tax-saving is a priority, consider investing in tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) or other eligible avenues under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner:

Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. A CFP will help design an investment strategy that aligns with your objectives and maximizes benefits within the specified timeframe.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, by diversifying your investment portfolio, utilizing SIPs, and consulting with a Certified Financial Planner, you can maximize the benefits of your lump sum investment and work towards achieving your financial goals within the 7-8 year timeframe.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
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Lumpsum investment pls advise good funds Sip investment which good funds Tax savind mutual.fund which is good fund Pls advice am 50yrs pf age want the fund giv g gopd returns in 5 to 8 yrs
Ans: Investing a lumpsum amount requires careful planning. Given your age and goals, it's important to balance risk and return. Here are some recommendations:

Diversified Equity Funds:

These funds invest in a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
They offer potential for high returns.
Suitable for a 5-8 year investment horizon.
Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market.
Professional fund managers select stocks based on research.
They can provide better returns than index funds.
Debt Funds:

For lower risk, consider debt funds.
These invest in fixed-income securities.
Suitable for short to medium-term goals.
SIP Investment
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) help in disciplined investing. They also benefit from rupee cost averaging. Here are some options for SIP investments:

Large Cap Funds:

Invest in large, stable companies.
Lower risk compared to mid and small-cap funds.
Suitable for consistent growth.
Mid Cap Funds:

Invest in mid-sized companies.
Potential for higher growth than large-cap funds.
Suitable for medium to high-risk investors.
Small Cap Funds:

Invest in small companies with high growth potential.
Higher risk but can offer significant returns.
Suitable for long-term goals and risk-tolerant investors.
Tax-Saving Mutual Funds
Tax-saving mutual funds, also known as ELSS, provide tax benefits under Section 80C. They have a lock-in period of 3 years. Here are some benefits:

Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS):
Offer tax deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh.
Invest in equity markets for potential high returns.
Shortest lock-in period among tax-saving options.
Investment Strategy
To achieve good returns in 5-8 years, consider the following strategy:

Diversification:

Spread investments across equity, debt, and tax-saving funds.
This reduces risk and maximizes returns.
Professional Guidance:

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Regular funds through an MFD with CFP credentials offer support and professional advice.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds track a specific market index. However, they have some disadvantages:

No Active Management:

They replicate the index and cannot outperform it.
They miss out on potential gains from market inefficiencies.
Market Risk:

They are subject to overall market risk.
They do not protect against downturns in the index.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have several advantages:

Professional Management:

Experienced fund managers make investment decisions.
They can identify and exploit market opportunities.
Potential for Higher Returns:

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market.
They can adjust their portfolios based on market conditions.
Final Insights
Investing at 50 requires a balanced approach. Focus on diversifying across equity, debt, and tax-saving funds. Use SIPs for disciplined investing and consider actively managed funds for potential higher returns. Avoid direct investments and index funds due to their limitations. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investments to your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 03, 2025
Money
I am 55 yrs, have a lumpsum of 30L. Looking for best investment option. I don't require this funds for next 5 years, however might use as a backup to raise higher education loan for my daughter. I've total investment of about 1.6Cr, 50% each in shares & MF. Pls advice.
Ans: You are 55 years old.

You have Rs. 30 lakhs as a lump sum.

You don’t need it for 5 years.

You might use it as a backup for your daughter’s education loan.

Your total investment is Rs. 1.6 crore.

Half of that is in shares and the other half in mutual funds.

Let us plan now step by step.

Assessing Your Financial Position
Your existing investment of Rs. 1.6 crore is strong.

Having 50% in equity shows you are growth-focused.

At your age, it is a bold approach.

This needs a minor adjustment for safety.

The Rs. 30 lakh lump sum gives flexibility.

You don’t need this amount immediately.

But this amount still needs protection from risks.

You also may use this for your daughter’s education.

So, it is a goal-linked amount.

This means it must be available anytime.

But at the same time, must beat inflation.

Let us now break this into smaller points.

Prioritising Safety and Growth Together
At 55, safety is very important.

Growth is also needed to beat inflation.

So, you need a mix of safety and returns.

Not too aggressive. Not too conservative.

You already have equity exposure.

This lump sum must not carry high risk.

But it should not lie idle.

The balance of safety, growth, and access is key.

For this, proper asset allocation is a must.

Let us explore the ideal allocation now.

Suggested Allocation of Rs. 30 Lakhs
Divide Rs. 30 lakhs into three baskets.

Basket 1: Emergency & Ultra Safety

Keep Rs. 3 to 4 lakhs in savings or sweep-in FD.

It will help you manage any short-term need.

It will give mental comfort and quick liquidity.

Basket 2: Conservative Mutual Funds (Debt-oriented)

Allocate around Rs. 10 to 12 lakhs.

Choose only short-duration, high-quality debt funds.

Avoid long-duration funds.

Keep average maturity below 3 years.

This basket protects capital from market shocks.

It will also give slightly better returns than FDs.

You can redeem any time without penalty.

Do not use direct mutual funds.

Choose regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

They can guide you with the right mix.

Regular funds come with personalised service.

Also, direct funds miss rebalancing advice.

Basket 3: Moderately Aggressive Funds (Balanced or Hybrid)

Allocate the remaining Rs. 14 to 17 lakhs.

Choose only actively managed hybrid funds.

Avoid index funds.

Index funds follow the market blindly.

They do not protect from market fall.

Active hybrid funds adjust equity-debt mix.

This protects capital and gives growth.

Since you already hold shares, limit equity-heavy exposure.

Let the hybrid fund do the balancing job.

Do not pick equity mutual funds directly from online portals.

Instead, go through an MFD who is a Certified Financial Planner.

They will recommend fund houses with consistent track records.

Tax Efficiency of Your Investment
The new capital gains tax rules matter.

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

STCG from equity funds taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per your income slab.

For safety, keep holding debt funds for more than 3 years.

That way, you defer tax and also avoid market timing.

Do not redeem funds frequently.

Let your Certified Financial Planner handle withdrawals.

Planning for Daughter’s Education
You mentioned this money may be used for education.

Do not earmark the entire Rs. 30 lakh for this.

Keep that decision flexible.

If loan rates are low, take an education loan.

If loan rates are high, use this corpus.

You can partly use it for down-payment.

And partly use it to repay loan EMIs.

This strategy will keep liquidity in your hand.

Maintain your other investments untouched.

Let them grow for your retirement.

Managing Your Existing Portfolio
You already have Rs. 1.6 crore invested.

Half is in direct shares.

Other half in mutual funds.

Ensure your mutual funds are diversified.

Keep funds from different fund houses.

Check for sector concentration in equity holdings.

Avoid having too many similar funds.

Don’t hold more than 6 to 7 mutual funds.

Review your portfolio once every 6 months.

Trim funds which are underperforming for more than 2 years.

Don’t switch funds frequently.

Stick with long-term consistent performers.

Retirement Planning Angle
At 55, retirement may be 5 to 10 years away.

Start planning your monthly cash flow needs.

Make a list of all future expenses.

Include healthcare, travel, and regular living cost.

Your mutual fund portfolio can be structured for retirement too.

After 5 years, shift from growth mode to income mode.

Use SWP method in mutual funds.

Start monthly income from your accumulated corpus.

It is more tax efficient than FD interest.

Your Certified Financial Planner can design the SWP plan.

Keep 2 years of expenses as buffer in debt funds.

Key Action Points for You
Do not invest the Rs. 30 lakhs in high-risk funds.

Avoid locking the full amount in fixed deposits.

Do not go for real estate options.

They are illiquid and expensive to exit.

Do not choose any policy that mixes insurance and investment.

Avoid ULIP or endowment plans.

They will not serve your goal in 5 years.

Do not try to invest directly in shares again.

Keep new investments only in managed mutual funds.

Follow a Certified Financial Planner for rebalancing.

They will ensure your investments match your goals.

Review your entire portfolio once every year.

Update your asset allocation as your needs change.

Other Important Suggestions
Have a separate health insurance for you and family.

Don’t depend only on employer cover if any.

Make sure your term insurance is in place.

Update your nominee details in all investments.

Have a clear Will or estate plan made.

Talk to your family about where documents are stored.

Keep a single Excel sheet of all your investments.

Share it with your spouse or trusted family member.

Maintain digital and hard copies of all proofs.

Ensure all KYC details are correct.

Link PAN, Aadhaar and bank accounts to all investments.

Finally
You are already doing well with Rs. 1.6 crore corpus.

You also have Rs. 30 lakh as lump sum.

Your planning needs are now long-term and medium-term.

Use a goal-based investment plan, not random product choice.

Let each rupee be linked to a goal.

Don't run behind high returns alone.

Protect your wealth with smart strategies.

Use mutual funds as your main investment tool.

But don’t select schemes yourself.

A Certified Financial Planner brings professional handling.

Your next 5 years can be safe, flexible and worry-free.

Keep updating your plans based on life events.

That way, your money will work for your needs.

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  |7394 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 29, 2025

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Sir with 289 in BITs what branch my ward an get ... we have got in Josaa round2 CSE in NIT Goa and Cse in Manipal main campus ...which we shall go for kindly guide
Ans: Sharma, With 289 marks in BITSAT 2025, your ward can secure admission at BITS Goa and BITS Hyderabad campuses. The expected cutoffs for 289 marks include: BITS Goa - Electronics & Communication Engineering (252-293), Electrical & Electronics Engineering (247-283), Mechanical Engineering (216-260), or Chemical Engineering (197-245); BITS Hyderabad - Electronics & Communication Engineering (258-296), Electrical & Electronics Engineering (246-290), Mechanical Engineering (209-260), Chemical Engineering (197-245), or Civil Engineering (195-240). With this score, Computer Science and Engineering remains inaccessible at all BITS campuses as cutoffs range from 279-316 at BITS Goa to 288-308 at BITS Hyderabad. NIT Goa's Computer Science Engineering achieved 86.36% placement in 2024 with an average of ?11.02 LPA, while CSE recorded 100% placement in 2022-23 with ?13.4 LPA average package. Manipal Institute of Technology main campus CSE maintains 77% placement rate for 2025 with an overall average package of ?11.76 LPA, supported by 230+ recruiters including Amazon, Microsoft, and Bosch, though branch-specific CSE data shows approximately 81% placement with ?13.1 LPA average. Both NIT Goa and Manipal offer robust placement support, modern infrastructure, and industry connections, but NIT Goa provides government institute prestige while Manipal offers superior campus facilities and larger recruiter diversity.

Recommendation: Choose NIT Goa CSE for its consistent 100% placement record in recent years, prestigious government institute status, and strong average packages; opt for Manipal main campus CSE if you prefer superior infrastructure, larger recruiter base, and private university flexibility, though placement rates are comparatively lower than NIT Goa's proven track record. With 289 marks in BITSAT 2025, your ward can secure admission at BITS Goa and BITS Hyderabad campuses. The expected cutoffs for 289 marks include: BITS Goa - Electronics & Communication Engineering (252-293), Electrical & Electronics Engineering (247-283), Mechanical Engineering (216-260), or Chemical Engineering (197-245); BITS Hyderabad - Electronics & Communication Engineering (258-296), Electrical & Electronics Engineering (246-290), Mechanical Engineering (209-260), Chemical Engineering (197-245), or Civil Engineering (195-240). With this score, Computer Science and Engineering remains inaccessible at all BITS campuses as cutoffs range from 279-316 at BITS Goa to 288-308 at BITS Hyderabad. NIT Goa's Computer Science Engineering achieved 86.36% placement in 2024 with an average of ?11.02 LPA, while CSE recorded 100% placement in 2022-23 with ?13.4 LPA average package. Manipal Institute of Technology main campus CSE maintains 77% placement rate for 2025 with an overall average package of ?11.76 LPA, supported by 230+ recruiters including Amazon, Microsoft, and Bosch, though branch-specific CSE data shows approximately 81% placement with ?13.1 LPA average. Both NIT Goa and Manipal offer robust placement support, modern infrastructure, and industry connections, but NIT Goa provides government institute prestige while Manipal offers superior campus facilities and larger recruiter diversity.

Recommendation: Choose NIT Goa CSE for its consistent 100% placement record in recent years, prestigious government institute status, and strong average packages; opt for Manipal main campus CSE if you prefer superior infrastructure, larger recruiter base, and private university flexibility, though placement rates are comparatively lower than NIT Goa's proven track record. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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