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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7379 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 04, 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
Kadar Question by Kadar on May 31, 2024Hindi
Money

I am 24 years old and my current savings is rs 5000/- What suitable ideas do you have for long term that can give you good returns and can also potentially help you for future

Ans: As a Certified Financial Planner, I commend you on your foresight in seeking to secure your financial future. At 24, you have the advantage of time on your side. This allows you to leverage the power of compounding to grow your wealth. With an initial savings of Rs 5000/-, you can explore several long-term investment strategies that offer good returns and align with your future goals. Let’s dive into the various options available to you, keeping your specific circumstances and the Indian financial market in mind.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Before diving into specific investment strategies, it's crucial to understand your financial goals. Are you saving for a house, a car, or your retirement? Defining your goals will help tailor your investment strategy accordingly.

Emergency Fund
First and foremost, it’s essential to have an emergency fund. This fund should cover 3 to 6 months of your living expenses. It acts as a safety net during unexpected situations like job loss or medical emergencies. You can park your emergency fund in a high-interest savings account or a liquid fund for easy accessibility and decent returns.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in Mutual Funds
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in mutual funds is a disciplined approach to investing. It allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly, irrespective of the market conditions. SIPs benefit from rupee cost averaging and compounding returns. Over time, these small investments grow significantly, providing substantial returns. Mutual funds offer diversification, reducing risk by spreading investments across various sectors and assets.

Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are preferable over index funds for several reasons. These funds are managed by professional fund managers who actively make investment decisions to outperform the market. They have the flexibility to adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, which can lead to higher returns. Index funds, on the other hand, simply replicate the performance of a market index, offering limited scope for outperformance.

Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds invest in stocks and have the potential to deliver higher returns over the long term. They are suitable for young investors with a high risk tolerance and a long investment horizon. Equity funds come in various types, such as large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Diversifying your investments across these categories can provide a balanced risk-return profile.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like government bonds, corporate bonds, and money market instruments. They offer more stability and lower risk compared to equity funds. Including debt funds in your portfolio can provide a stable income and act as a cushion against market volatility.

Diversified Portfolio
Creating a diversified portfolio is crucial for long-term wealth creation. Diversification involves spreading investments across various asset classes like equities, debt, and gold. This strategy helps in minimizing risk and maximizing returns. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and market conditions.

Retirement Planning
Starting retirement planning early gives you a significant advantage. Investing in the National Pension System (NPS) can be a prudent choice. NPS offers tax benefits, flexibility in investment options, and a steady income post-retirement. Additionally, consider investing in Public Provident Fund (PPF) for its safety, tax benefits, and decent returns.

Systematic Transfer Plan (STP)
A Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) allows you to transfer a fixed amount from one mutual fund to another. It’s an excellent strategy for gradually moving investments from a debt fund to an equity fund or vice versa. STPs help in mitigating risk by averaging the purchase cost and providing better returns.

Avoiding Investment Mistakes
It’s crucial to avoid common investment mistakes like chasing high returns, timing the market, and not diversifying enough. Stay focused on your long-term goals and maintain a disciplined investment approach. Regularly review your investments and make adjustments as needed.

Insurance Planning
Insurance is a critical component of financial planning. It’s essential to have adequate health and life insurance coverage to protect yourself and your family from unforeseen events. Avoid mixing insurance with investment. Policies like Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) and investment-cum-insurance products often offer suboptimal returns and high charges. It’s better to surrender these policies and reinvest the amount in mutual funds for better growth.

Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can enhance your investment returns. Utilize tax-saving investment options like Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), PPF, and NPS. These instruments not only help in reducing your taxable income but also provide good returns over the long term.

Financial Discipline
Maintaining financial discipline is key to successful investing. Automate your investments through SIPs, avoid unnecessary expenses, and regularly save a portion of your income. Keeping track of your expenses and sticking to a budget can help you save more and invest consistently.

Continuous Learning
The financial market is dynamic, and staying informed is crucial. Continuously educate yourself about new investment options, market trends, and financial planning strategies. Reading financial blogs, attending webinars, and consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable insights.

Starting Small
Starting with Rs 5000/- is a great step. As your income grows, gradually increase your investment amount. The key is to start early and invest consistently. Even small amounts can grow significantly over time through the power of compounding.

Review and Rebalance
Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio is essential. Market conditions and your financial goals may change over time. Adjust your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives and risk tolerance.

Benefits of Professional Guidance
Working with a Certified Financial Planner can provide you with personalized advice and help you navigate the complexities of investing. They can assist in creating a comprehensive financial plan, selecting suitable investment options, and achieving your financial goals.

Assessing Your Risk Tolerance
Understanding your risk tolerance is crucial in selecting appropriate investment options. Younger investors often have a higher risk tolerance due to their long investment horizon. However, it’s essential to balance high-risk investments with safer options to maintain stability.

Investing in Yourself
Investing in your skills and education can yield significant returns. Enhance your career prospects through continuous learning, certifications, and professional development. Higher earning potential translates to more savings and investments in the future.

Goal-Based Investing
Aligning your investments with specific goals can provide clarity and motivation. Create separate portfolios for different goals like buying a house, children's education, or retirement. This approach helps in tracking progress and staying committed to your financial objectives.

Benefit of Starting Early
Starting your investment journey early provides the advantage of time. Compounding works best over a long period, turning small investments into substantial wealth. The earlier you start, the more you benefit from compounding.

Flexibility and Liquidity
Choose investment options that offer flexibility and liquidity. While long-term investments are crucial, having access to funds during emergencies is equally important. Balance your portfolio with a mix of liquid and long-term assets.

Understanding Market Cycles
The market goes through cycles of ups and downs. Understanding these cycles can help you stay calm during market volatility. Avoid panic selling during market downturns and stay invested for the long term to reap the benefits of recovery.

Staying Updated with Regulatory Changes
Stay informed about regulatory changes that impact your investments. Changes in tax laws, interest rates, and investment regulations can affect your returns. Regularly consult with your Certified Financial Planner to stay updated and make necessary adjustments.

Avoiding High-Cost Investments
High-cost investment products can erode your returns. Be mindful of the fees and charges associated with investment options. Opt for low-cost mutual funds and avoid high-cost ULIPs and other investment-cum-insurance products.

Power of Compounding
The power of compounding is a fundamental principle of investing. It involves earning returns on your initial investment and the accumulated returns. The longer you stay invested, the more your money grows exponentially.

Inflation and Investment
Consider inflation while planning your investments. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of your money over time. Choose investment options that offer returns higher than the inflation rate to maintain your wealth’s real value.

Future Financial Security
Investing wisely today ensures financial security for the future. It provides the means to achieve your goals, enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, and handle emergencies with ease. Start early, stay disciplined, and make informed investment decisions.

Monitoring Your Investments
Regularly monitoring your investments is crucial. Keep track of the performance, review your portfolio, and make necessary adjustments. Staying informed and proactive ensures your investments stay on track to meet your goals.

Long-Term Perspective
Investing with a long-term perspective is essential. Short-term market fluctuations are common, but long-term investments typically yield better returns. Stay patient and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

Diversification Across Sectors
Diversification is not just about asset classes but also sectors. Spread your investments across different industries to mitigate sector-specific risks. A well-diversified portfolio enhances stability and growth potential.

Understanding Mutual Fund Categories
Mutual funds come in various categories, each with different risk-return profiles. Understand the categories and choose funds that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. This ensures a balanced and effective investment strategy.

Reinvesting Returns
Reinvesting the returns from your investments accelerates the growth of your wealth. Instead of withdrawing the returns, reinvest them to benefit from compounding. This strategy significantly boosts your long-term returns.

Setting Realistic Expectations
Set realistic expectations for your investment returns. High returns come with higher risks. It’s crucial to balance your return expectations with the associated risks to avoid disappointments and stay committed to your investment plan.

Financial Independence
Achieving financial independence is a significant milestone. It provides the freedom to pursue your passions, retire early, and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Consistent investing and disciplined financial planning are key to reaching this goal.

Conclusion
Investing wisely and consistently is the cornerstone of building a secure financial future. With an initial savings of Rs 5000/-, you have made a commendable start. By adopting a disciplined approach, diversifying your investments, and staying informed, you can achieve substantial growth and financial security. Remember, the journey to wealth creation is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, stay focused, and your efforts will pay off in the long run.

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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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

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55 years of age. No saving or investment till now. Please suggest how to save at least 25 lac in next 5 years. Income is 60K pm. Estimated expenses +medicals is 40-45 K pm Please suggest. Thanks with best wishes
Ans: It's never too late to start saving and investing, even at 55 years of age. Let's outline a plan to help you accumulate 25 lakhs in the next 5 years:
1. Assess Current Finances: Begin by evaluating your current financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Understanding your financial baseline will help in setting realistic savings goals.
2. Create a Budget: Develop a monthly budget that accounts for all your expenses, including essentials like utilities, groceries, and medical expenses. Identify areas where you can potentially reduce spending to increase savings.
3. Emergency Fund: Prioritize building an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of your living expenses. This fund will provide a financial cushion for unexpected expenses or emergencies, ensuring you don't dip into your savings prematurely.
4. Investment Strategy: With a 5-year timeframe, consider a combination of savings and investment avenues to achieve your goal of accumulating 25 lakhs. Since you have a relatively short investment horizon, focus on low to moderate risk options with potential for growth.
5. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Start a monthly SIP in mutual funds or other investment vehicles that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Consider diversified equity funds for growth potential, balanced funds for stability, and debt funds for capital preservation.
6. Additional Income Streams: Explore opportunities to increase your income through part-time work, freelancing, or utilizing any specialized skills or hobbies you may have. Even a small additional income can significantly boost your savings over time.
7. Minimize Expenses: Continuously review your expenses and look for ways to minimize discretionary spending. Cut back on non-essential purchases and focus on living within your means to maximize savings.
8. Regular Review: Periodically review your financial progress and adjust your savings and investment strategy as needed. Monitor the performance of your investments and make any necessary changes to stay on track towards your goal.
9. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific situation and goals. They can help you create a comprehensive financial plan and navigate the investment landscape effectively.
By following these steps and staying disciplined in your approach, you can work towards achieving your target of saving 25 lakhs in the next 5 years, securing your financial future.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7379 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2024

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I am 31,didnt have any savings uptill now .planning to save 20 k per month..suggest me the diversified savings options for future....
Ans: Congratulations on taking the first step towards securing your financial future! At 31, you're entering a crucial phase where strategic savings can pave the way for a prosperous tomorrow. Let's explore diversified savings options tailored to your aspirations and financial goals.

Commendable Initiative

I must commend your decision to start saving at this stage. It's never too late to begin your savings journey, and your commitment to setting aside ?20,000 per month demonstrates a commendable dedication to building a secure financial foundation.

Understanding Your Goals

Before diving into savings options, let's understand your financial objectives and aspirations. Whether it's building an emergency fund, planning for retirement, or achieving long-term wealth accumulation, your goals will shape our savings strategy.

Exploring Diversified Savings Options

Diversification is key to mitigating risk and optimizing returns. Here are some diversified savings options to consider:

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): SIPs offer a disciplined approach to investing in mutual funds, allowing you to invest small amounts regularly. By diversifying across equity, debt, and hybrid funds, you can tailor your portfolio to your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): PPF is a popular long-term savings instrument offering tax benefits and attractive interest rates. By contributing to PPF, you can build a tax-efficient retirement corpus while enjoying the security of a government-backed scheme.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF): If you're employed, EPF contributions provide a reliable avenue for retirement savings. With contributions from both you and your employer, EPF offers a stable foundation for your retirement nest egg.

Debt Instruments: Consider allocating a portion of your savings to debt instruments such as fixed deposits (FDs) or bonds. While offering lower returns compared to equities, debt instruments provide stability to your portfolio and serve as a hedge against market volatility.

Emergency Fund: Building an emergency fund is essential to cover unexpected expenses or financial setbacks. Aim to set aside 3-6 months' worth of living expenses in a liquid savings account or liquid mutual funds for easy access during emergencies.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

When it comes to mutual funds, actively managed funds offer several advantages over passive index funds:

Professional Management: Actively managed funds are overseen by experienced fund managers who actively research and select investments to maximize returns and minimize risks.

Dynamic Allocation: Fund managers have the flexibility to adjust portfolio allocations based on market conditions and emerging opportunities, allowing for optimized performance over time.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds require investors to independently research, select, and manage their investment portfolios, which can be time-consuming and challenging, especially for novice investors. Lack of professional guidance may lead to suboptimal investment decisions.

Benefits of Regular Funds Investing through MFD with CFP Credential

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentialled Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) offers several benefits:

Personalized Advice: A CFP-certified MFD provides tailored investment advice based on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon, ensuring your portfolio aligns with your objectives.

Diverse Fund Selection: MFDs offer access to a wide range of mutual funds across asset classes and fund categories, enabling you to build a well-diversified portfolio suited to your needs.

Final Words

As you embark on your savings journey, remember that consistency, discipline, and patience are key to achieving your financial goals. By diversifying your savings across various instruments and leveraging the expertise of certified professionals, you're laying the groundwork for a prosperous future.

Warm Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7379 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 16, 2024Hindi
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I am 27 years old and recently married and have around 40lakhs savings please let me know very effective ways to invest them with relatively less risk and good yields for myself,my future kids and aging parents.
Ans: Strategizing Your Investment Approach for Multiple Goals
Understanding Your Financial Landscape
At 27, with 40 lakhs in savings and new familial responsibilities, it's crucial to adopt a prudent investment strategy that balances risk, returns, and long-term financial goals.

Step 1: Emergency Fund
Allocate a portion of your savings towards building an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of living expenses. This fund acts as a safety net for unexpected expenses or income disruptions.

Step 2: Goal-Based Investing
Identify and prioritize your financial goals, including retirement, children's education, and supporting aging parents. Allocate your savings accordingly, considering the time horizon and risk tolerance for each goal.

Step 3: Diversified Portfolio
Construct a diversified investment portfolio comprising a mix of asset classes such as equities, debt, and alternative investments. Diversification helps mitigate risk and enhance long-term returns.

Step 4: Retirement Planning
Start investing in retirement-focused instruments such as Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF) to build a robust retirement corpus. Consider equity-oriented mutual funds for long-term growth potential.

Step 5: Children's Education
Open a dedicated investment account for your children's education and invest in equity-oriented mutual funds or education-specific investment options like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) or Children's Mutual Funds.

Step 6: Supporting Aging Parents
Ensure adequate provisions for your aging parents' financial well-being by investing in low-risk, income-generating assets such as fixed deposits, senior citizen savings scheme, or debt mutual funds.

Step 7: Regular Review and Adjustment
Periodically review your investment portfolio to track progress towards your goals and make necessary adjustments based on changing life circumstances, market conditions, and financial goals.

Step 8: Seeking Professional Guidance
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. A CFP can provide personalized advice, recommend suitable investment options, and help you navigate complex financial decisions.

Conclusion
By adopting a holistic approach to investment planning, you can effectively deploy your 40 lakhs savings towards achieving multiple financial goals while minimizing risk and maximizing returns. With careful planning, regular review, and professional guidance, you can secure a financially sound future for yourself, your family, and your aging parents.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Sir I was absent in all my class 12th boards and practical in the year 2023-24 due to a medical illness, now I'm appearing as a regular candidate in the year 2024-25 boards. Will I be eligible for jee advanced 2025 and 2026 as in jee advanced attempt counts start from first appearance in class 12th, will they consider my board 2024 absent as an attempt? Will I be eligible for jee advanced 2025 and 2026? Specifically 2026
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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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