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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8880 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 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 - Dec 12, 2023Hindi
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I am 20 years old and i am investing 5000 rs per month through sip , but i want to increase when i have so how much should i invest per month through sip to make 50 cr easily

Ans: To reach a substantial goal like 50 crores, you'll need a strategic approach to your investments. Since you're starting early at 20, you have the advantage of time. Focus on investing consistently over the long term, increasing your SIP amount gradually as your income grows. Choose diversified equity funds that align with your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed. With disciplined investing and patience, you can work towards achieving your ambitious financial goal. Consulting a financial advisor can provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs and goals.
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  |8880 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 25, 2024

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Sir I am already investing in sip for an amount of 15000 ..it is almost a year ...my aim is 1cr in 6 years...how much should I addon.... kindly advice
Ans: It's great to hear about your commitment to SIP investments and your ambitious goal of reaching Rs. 1 crore in 6 years. Let's delve into a comprehensive strategy to help you achieve this milestone.

Evaluating Your Current Investment Strategy
SIP Performance and Goals
Your current SIP investment of Rs. 15,000 per month is a solid start towards your financial goal. To assess your progress and plan for future additions, it's crucial to consider the following aspects:

Investment Duration: You've been investing for nearly a year, which provides a foundational period to evaluate performance.

Target Amount: Aim for Rs. 1 crore in 6 years. This equates to a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) target that needs careful planning.

Assessing Additional Investment Requirements
Calculating Required Monthly Additions
To estimate how much more you need to invest monthly to achieve Rs. 1 crore in 6 years, consider:

Target Return: Evaluate the expected annual return from your current SIPs. Typically, equity investments aim for higher returns but carry associated risks.

Compounding Benefits: Early and regular investments benefit from compounding, enhancing growth over time.

Strategic Adjustments for Goal Achievement
Increasing SIP Contributions
To bridge the gap towards your target:

Monthly Addition: Calculate the additional monthly SIP amount required based on your current investment's performance and target timeframe.

Risk Assessment: Assess your risk tolerance. If comfortable, consider increasing SIP contributions gradually to align with your goal.

Diversification and Risk Management
Portfolio Diversification
Diversifying your investments helps manage risk and optimize returns:

Asset Allocation: Balance investments across different types of mutual funds to mitigate volatility and enhance portfolio stability.

Regular Review: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to align with changing market conditions and financial goals.

Long-Term Wealth Creation Strategies
Planning Beyond SIPs
While SIPs form a core part of your wealth creation strategy, explore complementary avenues:

Systematic Transfer Plans (STP): Consider transferring funds from liquid investments to equity-oriented funds systematically to benefit from market opportunities.

Tax Planning: Optimize tax-saving opportunities through eligible investments like ELSS funds within the equity segment.

Final Insights
Achieving a target of Rs. 1 crore in 6 years requires disciplined investing, regular monitoring, and strategic adjustments. With continued dedication to SIPs and prudent financial planning, you're on track to realize your financial aspirations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8880 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

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Dear sir Now I am 37 years old working in banking sector my monthly salary is 45 k and my wife's take home is 20 k I have one personal loan emi around 24k already I am having SIP with 2.5 k every month now I need to plan for more how much I need to invest in SIP if I want to reach 30 L in next 5 years
Ans: First, let’s appreciate your commitment to securing your financial future. Your combined monthly income is Rs. 65,000, and you already invest Rs. 2,500 monthly in a SIP. With a personal loan EMI of Rs. 24,000, your current financial situation requires careful planning.

Setting Your Financial Goal

Your goal is to accumulate Rs. 30 lakhs in the next five years. This goal is both realistic and achievable with disciplined investing. But before we determine the required SIP amount, we need to consider some factors like your current savings, expenses, and loan commitments.

Evaluating Your Current Savings and Expenses

After accounting for your EMI, you have Rs. 41,000 left. From this, we must also subtract your living expenses, existing SIP, and other financial commitments. Your disposable income after expenses will determine how much more you can invest.

Let’s assume that your monthly expenses (excluding the EMI and current SIP) are around Rs. 20,000. This leaves you with Rs. 21,000 that you can potentially allocate towards additional SIPs and other financial goals.

Calculating the SIP Required to Achieve Your Goal

Given your target of Rs. 30 lakhs in five years, you will need to invest a substantial amount monthly. To provide a rough estimate:

Current SIP: Your current Rs. 2,500 SIP is a good start, but it might not be enough to reach your goal of Rs. 30 lakhs.

Additional SIP Required: To achieve Rs. 30 lakhs in five years, you will need to invest more. Given an assumed average return rate of 12% per annum, you might need to invest around Rs. 35,000 monthly. However, the exact amount can vary based on market performance.

You can adjust the SIP amount based on your comfort and financial situation.

Balancing Loan Repayment and Investments

Balancing between loan repayment and investments is crucial. Your loan EMI is already a significant part of your income. If possible, consider prepaying part of your loan to reduce the EMI burden. This could free up more funds for SIPs.

If prepaying is not an option, focus on maintaining a healthy balance between loan repayment and investments.

Assessing the Need for Insurance

Since you have a personal loan, it’s wise to ensure you have adequate life insurance. A term insurance policy can secure your family’s financial future if something unfortunate happens. Additionally, health insurance is essential to avoid unexpected medical expenses.

Ensure your insurance coverage is adequate to protect your financial goals.

Importance of Regular Monitoring and Adjustment

Regularly monitoring your investments is key. Market conditions can change, and so can your financial situation. Reviewing your SIPs and overall financial plan annually will help you stay on track to achieve your goal.

Regular adjustments may be necessary to ensure your investments are aligned with your financial goals.

Why Actively Managed Funds Are Preferable

While index funds are popular, they may not be ideal for aggressive goals. Actively managed funds, where expert fund managers make strategic decisions, can potentially offer better returns. This can be beneficial, especially when trying to achieve a specific financial target.

Actively managed funds provide flexibility and the potential for higher returns.

Final Insights

Achieving Rs. 30 lakhs in five years is possible with disciplined investing. Consider increasing your monthly SIP, balancing it with your loan repayment, and ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage. Regular monitoring and adjustments are also crucial. With a careful approach, your financial goal can be achieved.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8880 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 15, 2024Hindi
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Sir my age is 35 and i am doing 2 Sip of Rs 2500 each with a increment of 10 % every year. I want to make a corpus amount of 1 cr by 50 age. How much should I invest more to reach that goal..
Ans: At 35 years of age, you have already embarked on a smart investment journey by investing in two Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), each with a monthly contribution of Rs 2,500. In total, you are contributing Rs 5,000 per month. Moreover, the decision to increase your SIP by 10% every year is a well-thought-out strategy that will help you combat inflation and take advantage of the power of compounding.

Your goal is to accumulate Rs 1 crore by the time you turn 50, giving you a time horizon of 15 years. This is a realistic and achievable goal with the right strategy, but it’s crucial to assess how much more you need to invest to comfortably reach your target.

Understanding the Power of SIPs and Compounding

SIPs are one of the most effective tools for wealth creation, especially for long-term investors like you. They work on the principles of rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding, both of which are key factors in building wealth over time.

Rupee Cost Averaging: This allows you to buy more units when the market is down and fewer units when the market is high. Over time, this helps in averaging out the cost of your investments and reducing market risk.

Compounding: The true magic of wealth creation lies in compounding. The longer you stay invested, the more your returns grow. With the 10% annual increment you’ve already planned, your contributions will increase steadily, adding more fuel to the power of compounding.

Your Current SIPs: Are They Enough?

Now, let’s look at your current contributions. A monthly SIP of Rs 5,000 with a 10% annual increment is a solid start, but to determine if it’s enough to reach Rs 1 crore by the time you turn 50, we need to consider several factors:

Expected Rate of Return: Equity mutual funds typically provide returns in the range of 12-15% per annum over the long term. For this assessment, let’s assume a conservative return of 12%. It’s important to remember that markets fluctuate, and returns can vary. But historically, 12% is a reasonable expectation for equity investments.

Time Horizon: You have 15 years until you turn 50, which is a decent time horizon for compounding to work in your favour. The longer the horizon, the more powerful compounding becomes.

Your Goal: Your target is Rs 1 crore, which is achievable, but you may need to tweak your contributions to ensure you stay on track.

Gap Analysis: Estimating the Shortfall

Even though you are on the right track with your Rs 5,000 monthly SIP and a 10% annual increment, it’s important to evaluate whether these contributions are enough to meet your goal. A conservative estimate would indicate that you might fall short of your Rs 1 crore target if you continue with just Rs 5,000 per month.

This is where the concept of a gap analysis comes in. Based on your current SIP contributions, expected returns, and time horizon, you may not reach Rs 1 crore without increasing your investment amount. We estimate that you may need to increase your contributions to meet your target comfortably.

Increasing Your SIP: How Much More Should You Invest?

To achieve your Rs 1 crore goal by age 50, you will need to increase your monthly SIP contributions. Based on a 12% annual return, you would likely need to contribute an additional Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000 per month.

This additional investment will help you bridge the gap between your current contributions and your final goal. By adding this increment now, you will benefit from the compounding effect over the next 15 years. The sooner you increase your SIP, the more your wealth will grow.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

While SIPs are an excellent way to invest, the type of funds you choose plays a significant role in achieving your financial goals. Actively managed mutual funds, when invested through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD), offer several advantages over passive funds like index funds or ETFs.

Professional Management: Actively managed funds are handled by experienced fund managers who have the expertise to select the right mix of assets. They constantly monitor the market and make adjustments to the portfolio to optimise returns.

Flexibility: Unlike index funds, which mirror the market and cannot adjust during market downturns, actively managed funds can reallocate assets based on market conditions. This flexibility helps to mitigate risks and capture opportunities that passive funds might miss.

Better Potential Returns: Over time, actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds, especially during market volatility. This is because they are not tied to a specific benchmark and can choose high-growth sectors.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

While index funds have gained popularity due to their low costs, they may not be the best option for you, given your goal and time horizon. Here are some key disadvantages of index funds:

Limited Returns: Index funds aim to replicate the market’s performance. This means that during market downturns, they cannot avoid losses. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform by adjusting their portfolios during such times.

No Flexibility: Since index funds simply follow the market, they lack the flexibility to take advantage of emerging opportunities or shield the portfolio from market corrections.

Missed Opportunities: In a market where certain sectors or stocks are performing better than others, index funds are unable to capitalise on these opportunities. Actively managed funds can.

Diversifying Your Portfolio for Long-Term Growth

To maximise your returns and minimise risks, it’s essential to diversify your investments across various sectors. Diversification spreads risk and allows you to capture growth from different segments of the economy.

Here’s a suggested sector allocation for a well-diversified portfolio:

Large-Cap Stocks (40%): These are established companies with a strong track record. Large-cap stocks provide stability and steady growth, which is essential for the core of your portfolio.

Mid-Cap Stocks (30%): Mid-cap companies have higher growth potential than large-cap stocks. They are more volatile but offer a balanced risk-return profile.

Small-Cap Stocks (20%): Small-cap stocks are the most volatile, but they also have the highest potential for growth. Allocating a small portion of your portfolio to small-cap stocks can boost your overall returns.

Sectoral Funds (10%): Certain sectors, like IT, Pharma, and Renewable Energy, have strong growth potential. A small allocation in sectoral funds can help capture the growth in these high-performing sectors.

Importance of Staying Invested for the Long Term

While it’s tempting to react to short-term market fluctuations, the key to successful investing is staying invested for the long term. Markets may go up and down, but over time, they tend to grow. By staying invested and continuing your SIPs, you are likely to benefit from market recoveries and long-term growth.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio Regularly

As market conditions change, it’s important to review and rebalance your portfolio regularly. Rebalancing helps you lock in profits and ensures that your portfolio remains aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals. A Certified Financial Planner can assist you in this process by making necessary adjustments based on your evolving needs and market trends.

Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains

When investing in mutual funds, it’s essential to consider taxation, as it can impact your final corpus. Here are the tax implications for equity mutual funds:

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh in a financial year are taxed at 12.5%. This tax applies to equity mutual funds held for more than one year.

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): If you sell your equity mutual funds within one year, STCG is taxed at 20%. It’s advisable to hold your equity investments for the long term to benefit from lower tax rates and compounding.

Surrendering Traditional Insurance Policies

If you hold traditional insurance policies, such as LIC or ULIPs, it may be worth considering surrendering them. These policies often provide lower returns compared to mutual funds. By reinvesting the surrendered amount into SIPs, you can potentially enhance your wealth-building strategy and reach your Rs 1 crore goal faster.

Inflation and Your Investment Goals

Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your money over time. This is why it’s important to not only focus on achieving a Rs 1 crore corpus but also ensure that your investments grow faster than inflation. Equity mutual funds are known to beat inflation over the long term, making them an ideal choice for your goal.

Final Insights

To achieve your Rs 1 crore goal by age 50, you need to increase your monthly SIP contributions by Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000. This additional investment, combined with your current strategy and the power of compounding, will help you reach your goal comfortably. A well-diversified portfolio of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and sectoral funds will further enhance your returns while managing risks.

Regular monitoring, rebalancing, and staying invested for the long term are crucial for success. With the help of a Certified Financial Planner, you can ensure that your investments remain aligned with your goals, market conditions, and personal circumstances.

By following these strategies, you will not only reach your Rs 1 crore target but also build a strong financial foundation for the future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8880 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 09, 2025
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Hello Sir, I am 43 years, I have around 2 cr in stock market, 1cr in government bonds and mutual funds, a flat in Bangalore worth 70 lakhs and recently I sold around 1.6 cr worth stocks and savings to purchase a house in the outskirts of a two tier city where I am currently residing. Was it worth investing in this property? I have taken a break from my job
Ans: You have made many financial moves with clarity and purpose. Your asset base is strong.

You sold Rs.?1.6 crore worth of financial assets to buy a house. Let us now assess this decision. We’ll look at all angles to guide you.

This detailed review will help you make smart, balanced, long-term decisions.

Was Buying the Property a Good Decision?

Owning a house offers emotional comfort and stability.

It also lowers rent cost and gives more space.

But property is not a flexible investment.

It is hard to sell fast when money is needed.

Property needs repairs, tax payments and legal care.

Financial investments do not have such burdens.

Your earlier financial assets were more liquid.

You had Rs.?2 crore in stocks and Rs.?1 crore in bonds and mutual funds.

After this new property, your real estate share is now very high.

This can impact long-term growth and flexibility.

Financial assets like mutual funds often grow faster.

Properties in outskirts grow slowly and depend on area development.

This growth is not guaranteed.

You must check if the area has good infrastructure plans.

Is Real Estate the Best Wealth-Building Tool?

Property is not the fastest wealth builder.

Equity mutual funds grow faster over time.

Property needs high capital, low returns and long holding periods.

You may also face legal or title issues.

Rent income is also not guaranteed.

Real estate is hard to sell when you need cash.

Stocks and bonds are easier to exit.

Real estate gives pride, but less profit.

You must not depend only on property for wealth.

How Your Asset Mix Looks Now

Your assets are now heavy in real estate.

Rs.?70 lakhs flat in Bangalore plus Rs.?1.6 crore new house.

That’s over Rs.?2.3 crore in property.

Stock and mutual fund holding is now Rs.?2 crore approx.

This makes the ratio about 55% in real estate.

For financial growth, this is very high.

Financial assets give compounding and flexibility.

Too much in real estate may hurt long-term goals.

You may face difficulty accessing funds in emergencies.

Liquidity is now lower than before.

You are on a job break, so liquidity is more important now.

During Career Break, Liquidity is Vital

When you are not earning, liquidity is your protection.

Property cannot give you quick funds in emergencies.

But mutual funds and stocks can be sold in 1-3 days.

You must protect cash flow till income resumes.

Emergency fund should be 12 months’ living cost.

Ensure you are not over-relying on property.

What You Could Have Considered Instead

You could rent in outskirts instead of buying.

Renting keeps your money invested in mutual funds.

You could have earned higher returns with flexibility.

Money in mutual funds can help meet multiple goals.

Renting avoids repair, tax and legal costs.

Ownership is not always necessary.

Emotional satisfaction from a house is valid.

But it must not reduce your long-term growth.

Why Mutual Funds Are a Better Tool for Growth

Mutual funds give professional fund management.

They offer better diversification than any property.

Regular mutual fund plans offer expert support.

A Certified Financial Planner can help choose better funds.

Actively managed funds adjust to market changes.

Index funds just copy the market.

Index funds don’t protect against sharp market falls.

They do not beat the market in tough times.

Direct mutual funds also have no personal help.

If you invest directly, you get no strategy or advice.

Regular plans give human support and help in planning.

Investment without expert help is like driving without direction.

Choose mutual funds through MFD with CFP support.

What You Should Do Next

Review if the new house is for self-use or investment.

If self-use, then it meets emotional comfort, not wealth goals.

If investment, then rethink its growth and returns.

Keep some funds in high-quality mutual funds.

Avoid putting more into real estate.

Resume SIPs once cash flow starts again.

Avoid index funds and direct funds going forward.

Focus on active funds with proper advice.

Set goals for retirement, health, and other needs.

Adjust asset mix to support those goals.

Keep financial assets above 50% for better future growth.

Plan your tax-saving investments every year.

Don’t depend only on property or insurance-based plans.

If you hold any LIC, ULIP, or combo plans, review them.

If returns are poor, consider surrendering and investing in mutual funds.

Property must be need-based, not return-based.

Let financial products drive long-term growth.

Take insurance for risk protection, not investment.

Continue asset review every 6 months.

Choose Certified Financial Planner to keep you on track.

Finally

Your decision to buy the house brings peace, but lowers growth.

It’s fine if emotional security is your key goal now.

But make sure you don’t lose financial strength.

Property is hard to manage, and slow to grow.

Your asset allocation needs rebalancing toward financial investments.

Start investing again when income resumes.

Reduce dependence on physical assets.

Trust actively managed mutual funds via regular plans.

Seek professional guidance to ensure your long-term success.

You’ve done well so far. With a few changes, you can go further.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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