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Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 25, 2025

Reetika Sharma is a certified financial planner and CEO of F-Secure Solutions.
She advises clients about investments, insurance, tax and estate planning and manages high net-worth individual’s portfolios.
Reetika has an MBA in finance from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and an engineer degree from NIT, Jalandhar.
She also holds certifications from the Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB), Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).... more
Mukesh Question by Mukesh on Sep 18, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi, I have 1.4 cr in Mutual funds. Compnay EPF around 16 Lakh. Also, 12 Lakh in PPF. And yearly 50K investing in LIC pension plan. Just wanted to know, Should i redeem Whole mutual fund in FD and start again SIP for interest of it. I am little confused what to do. Should i leave is as it or re-plan.

Ans: Hi Mukesh,

Most individuals fail to plan their investments in a right way. You did right by sharing your dilemma here as putting whole Mutual fund portfolio in a FD is not at all a good idea.

Please share your details such as age, goals, income, expenses, monthly fund requirement with me to help you plan better. Also share the current MF holdings that you are holding.

Or you can work with an advisor to help you re-plan your overall investments. But do not invest in FD.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/
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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Asked by Anonymous - Aug 27, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 33 years old and currently my mutual fund portfolio is Rs 4.51 lakh. My net salary after all deduction including loan is rs78000. 3000 in ppfas flexi cap. 5500 in uti elss 500 in uti nifty 50. 1500 in HDFC elss Should I make any changes in my sip.?? My sole goal for sip is wealth gaon for long term. I also have Rd 14500 monthly
Ans: Your current mutual fund portfolio is Rs. 4.51 lakhs, which is a solid start. You are investing Rs. 3,000 in a flexi-cap fund, Rs. 5,500 in an ELSS fund, Rs. 500 in an index fund, and Rs. 1,500 in another ELSS fund. Additionally, you have a recurring deposit of Rs. 14,500 per month. Your net salary is Rs. 78,000 after all deductions, including loans. With a focus on long-term wealth creation, it's important to assess whether your current investments align with your goals and if there are any necessary adjustments to maximize your potential returns.

Evaluating Your Current SIPs

Your Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) reflect a mix of equity funds, including flexi-cap and ELSS funds. This combination provides exposure to both diversified and tax-saving investment options.

Flexi-Cap Fund Investment:

Your Rs. 3,000 SIP in a flexi-cap fund is a good choice.
Flexi-cap funds offer flexibility by investing across market capitalizations.
They allow fund managers to adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.
This can help in capturing growth opportunities in both large-cap and mid-cap companies.
Keep this SIP as it aligns with your long-term wealth creation goal.
ELSS Funds Investment:

You have significant investments in ELSS funds with a Rs. 5,500 SIP in one and Rs. 1,500 in another.
ELSS funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C.
These funds have a mandatory three-year lock-in period.
They invest predominantly in equity, offering potential for high returns.
Continuing with ELSS is advisable if tax-saving is an important part of your strategy.
Index Fund Investment:

You are investing Rs. 500 in an index fund.
Index funds track a market index and offer average returns.
They lack the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions.
Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds, especially over the long term.
Consider shifting this investment to an actively managed fund for better growth prospects.
Advantages of Active Management Over Index Funds

Index funds are often marketed for their low costs, but this comes with trade-offs.

Lack of Flexibility:

Index funds simply replicate an index without considering market dynamics.
They do not adapt to market trends or economic shifts.
Actively managed funds can change their portfolio to optimize returns.
Average Returns:

Index funds provide returns similar to the market.
They are not designed to outperform, just to match the index.
Actively managed funds, on the other hand, aim to beat the market through expert stock selection.
Higher Potential with Active Management:

Fund managers in actively managed funds use research and expertise.
They select stocks that have the potential for higher growth.
This can lead to better returns over time, especially in a long-term strategy like yours.
The Role of ELSS in Your Portfolio

You have a significant portion of your investments in ELSS funds. These funds are beneficial for tax-saving, but it's important to balance your portfolio for optimal growth.

Balancing Tax Benefits and Growth:

ELSS funds offer tax benefits, which is a great advantage.
However, they are locked in for three years, limiting your flexibility.
Diversify your portfolio with other types of funds to ensure growth beyond tax-saving.
Potential Overexposure to ELSS:

Having a large portion of your portfolio in ELSS may limit your exposure to other growth opportunities.
Consider diversifying into non-tax-saving equity funds for better long-term growth potential.
Reassessing Your Recurring Deposit

Your Rs. 14,500 monthly RD is a secure investment, but it might not align with your long-term wealth creation goal.

RD vs. Mutual Funds for Wealth Creation:

Recurring deposits offer guaranteed returns but at a lower rate.
They are more suitable for short-term goals or safety over growth.
For long-term wealth creation, equity mutual funds provide better potential returns.
Opportunity Cost of RD:

The money invested in RD could potentially grow faster in equity funds.
Consider reducing your RD contributions and increasing your SIPs in equity funds.
This shift can enhance your overall portfolio returns over the long term.
Suggested Adjustments to Your Portfolio

Based on your current investments and goals, some adjustments could help optimize your portfolio for long-term growth.

Increase Equity Exposure:

Shift funds from your RD to increase your SIPs in equity mutual funds.
Focus on funds with strong historical performance and a good track record.
This will increase your portfolio's growth potential.
Reduce Index Fund Allocation:

Consider discontinuing your Rs. 500 SIP in the index fund.
Reallocate these funds to actively managed equity funds.
This could enhance your portfolio's returns over time.
Diversify Beyond ELSS:

Continue with your ELSS funds for tax benefits, but avoid overconcentration.
Explore adding other equity funds, such as large-cap, mid-cap, or multi-cap funds.
This diversification will balance risk and enhance growth prospects.
Utilize a Certified Financial Planner:

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner offer ongoing guidance.
They can help in selecting funds that match your goals and risk profile.
Avoid direct funds as they may lack the personalized advice you need.
Final Insights: Building a Long-Term Wealth Strategy

Your current investment strategy shows a good foundation, but there is room for optimization to better align with your long-term wealth creation goal. Here's a summary of the suggested approach:

Increase Equity Investments:

Redirect funds from RD to SIPs in equity funds for higher growth.
Consider funds with a strong performance history and diversification.
Balance ELSS with Other Equity Funds:

While ELSS is beneficial for tax savings, diversify to reduce risk.
Add more non-tax-saving equity funds for broader exposure.
Reconsider Index Fund Investment:

Index funds provide average returns, which may not meet your long-term goals.
Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform, making them a better choice.
Seek Professional Guidance:

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner will provide tailored advice.
Avoid direct plans as they lack personalized support and strategic insights.
By making these adjustments, you can strengthen your portfolio and set a solid path towards your long-term wealth creation goals.

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 Dec 07, 2024

Money
I am 50 years. I have 20 K sip in Nippon large cap, 10 K in Nippon multicap and 5 K in HDFC Midcap opportunity fund. I have 5 L corpus in DSP small cap and 2 L in HDFC hybrid equity fund and 4 L in Axis Blue chip. Are my SIP OK or a change is needed? Should I redeem non sip funds and put in the three funds where SIP is there. Or should I redeem and put in FD? Please guide
Ans: Your portfolio demonstrates a disciplined approach to wealth building through SIPs and lump sum investments. The diversification across different fund categories is commendable, which is crucial for risk management. Let us carefully evaluate your current investments to determine if changes are necessary.

Analysis of Existing SIPs
Large-Cap Fund: Rs. 20,000 SIP
Large-cap funds provide stability with steady growth potential.
Returns may be consistent but not aggressive compared to mid or small-cap funds.
This fund is suitable for long-term goals and risk-averse investors.
Multicap Fund: Rs. 10,000 SIP
Multicap funds offer flexibility across market capitalizations.
They balance risk and reward well, diversifying across sectors.
This category suits medium-to-long-term goals with moderate risk appetite.
Midcap Fund: Rs. 5,000 SIP
Midcap funds are ideal for higher growth potential with increased volatility.
They can generate better returns during market uptrends.
This allocation aligns well for wealth creation over 8–10 years.
Evaluation of Lump Sum Investments
DSP Small Cap Fund: Rs. 5 Lakhs
Small-cap funds carry higher risk but can deliver substantial long-term growth.
The current allocation of Rs. 5 Lakhs is slightly concentrated in this high-risk segment.
HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund: Rs. 2 Lakhs
Hybrid equity funds offer a balanced mix of equity and debt.
They are suited for investors with a moderate risk profile seeking stability.
This allocation provides a cushion against market volatility.
Axis Bluechip Fund: Rs. 4 Lakhs
Bluechip funds focus on financially strong, large-cap companies.
They ensure consistent returns with relatively low risk.
Your allocation here complements the large-cap SIP strategy.
Suggestions for Portfolio Rebalancing
Retain SIPs in Large-Cap, Multicap, and Midcap Funds:
The existing SIPs in these funds are well-placed for diversification and growth. No changes are required.

Do Not Redeem Lump Sum Funds to Invest in SIPs:
Redeeming funds like DSP Small Cap or HDFC Hybrid Equity to reinvest in current SIP funds may reduce portfolio diversity.

Avoid Fixed Deposits for Redeemed Amounts:
Fixed deposits offer low returns and do not beat inflation over the long term. They are not ideal for growth-oriented investors.

Recommendations for Lump Sum Funds
DSP Small Cap Fund

Retain this allocation if you have a high-risk appetite and a horizon of 8–10 years.
Monitor the fund’s performance annually to ensure consistency.
HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund

Retain this allocation for moderate risk coverage.
This fund adds a balanced approach to your portfolio.
Axis Bluechip Fund

Retain this allocation as it aligns with your large-cap SIP strategy.
It ensures stability during market corrections.
Additional Recommendations
Diversify Further:
Add an international mutual fund to gain exposure to global markets. This reduces dependency on the Indian economy.

Review Portfolio Annually:
Assess the performance of funds regularly with the help of a Certified Financial Planner. Replace consistently underperforming funds.

Tax Efficiency:
Mutual fund taxation is critical for your returns. Keep track of long-term capital gains (LTCG) and short-term capital gains (STCG) rules:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG is taxed at 20%.
Key Takeaways
Your SIPs are well-aligned with diversified categories. Continue them without changes.
Avoid putting lump sum amounts in fixed deposits, as mutual funds offer better inflation-beating returns.
Maintain current lump sum investments, as they contribute to portfolio diversification.
Consider including international mutual funds for broader exposure.
Monitor and rebalance your portfolio with expert guidance annually.
Finally

Your portfolio reflects a solid foundation for long-term wealth creation. By maintaining diversification and monitoring fund performance, you can achieve your financial goals effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..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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