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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 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
DEBRAJ Question by DEBRAJ on May 07, 2024Hindi
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I am 24 Years Old. Working in Cybersecurity Domain in a Renowned Organization. I am Investing in Mutual Funds through SIP since Last 4-5 Months. Here is my Breakup. I am Investing 50k in SIP. ( 15k Parag Parikh Flexicap + 15k Quant Mid Cap Direct + 13k Aditya Birla PSU Direct Growth + 7k UTI Nifty 50 Index) . I want to know am going right way in terms of investment or should I change the funds or follow some other processes. My Goal is to Gather some corpus to buy a property shortly around in budget (30-40lac,) and after that I will save for future investments. Can You guide me with some better advice.

Ans: It's fantastic to see your proactive approach towards investing at such a young age! Let's dive into your investment strategy and explore some recommendations:
Investment Breakdown:
• You're investing 50,000 rupees per month through SIPs, with allocations across different mutual funds.
• Your current portfolio consists of Parag Parikh Flexicap, Quant Mid Cap, Aditya Birla PSU, and UTI Nifty 50 Index funds.
Amidst your journey, you're undoubtedly making commendable strides towards securing your financial future. However, let's explore some aspects to ensure you're on the right track:
Diversification:
• Diversification is key to mitigating risk and maximizing returns. Your current portfolio seems well-diversified across different market segments, including flexicap, mid-cap, PSU, and index funds. This approach offers exposure to various sectors and can potentially enhance long-term growth prospects.
Active vs. Passive Investing:
• You've chosen actively managed funds, which offer the benefit of professional fund management and the potential for outperformance. While index funds like UTI Nifty 50 Index provide low-cost exposure to market indices, they may lack the potential for alpha generation compared to actively managed funds. Active management allows fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities and adapt to changing market conditions, potentially leading to superior returns over time.
Future Goals:
• Your goal of accumulating a corpus to purchase property aligns with your long-term financial objectives. As you progress towards this milestone, continue to prioritize disciplined saving and prudent investment decisions. Consider revisiting your asset allocation and investment strategy periodically to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving goals and risk tolerance.
Recommendations:
• Given your goal of purchasing property in the near future, maintaining a balanced approach to investing is essential. Consider continuing with your current SIP allocations, as they offer diversification and potential for growth. However, if you're considering adjustments, consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and goals.
• When it comes to purchasing property, start researching potential locations, property types, and financing options. Additionally, continue saving diligently towards your down payment and associated expenses to achieve your homeownership goal.
Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay focused on your objectives while adapting to changing circumstances. With your proactive mindset and commitment to financial growth, you're well-positioned to achieve your aspirations. Keep up the excellent work, and don't hesitate to seek professional advice whenever needed. Your dedication to financial literacy and planning will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter financial future!
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 Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2024Hindi
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Dear sir, I am 36. I am investing 25k SIP every month for last 5 months in 9 mutual funds, 1. UTI nifty 50, 2. HDFC balanced advantage fund, 3. HDFC mid cap, 4. Quant mid cap, 5. Kotak tax saver fund, 6 Noppon india small cap fund, 7. Mirae Asset mid cap fund, 8. Prag parikh flexy cap fun, 9. SBI mid cap & large cap fund. Can you please help me with your advice if i am doing right ot i need to make changes and also can you please suggest how much amount i should allocate each fund? Thanks for your valuable time and your advice in advance.
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to investing, especially at the age of 36. Investing through SIPs in mutual funds is a smart way to build wealth over the long term. Let's assess your current investment strategy and see if any adjustments are needed.

Firstly, investing in nine mutual funds might be excessive and could lead to over-diversification. Managing too many funds can be challenging and may not necessarily lead to better returns. It's generally recommended to have a focused portfolio with a smaller number of well-chosen funds.

Secondly, your portfolio seems to have a tilt towards mid-cap and small-cap funds, which can be riskier compared to large-cap funds. While these funds have the potential for higher returns, they also come with increased volatility. It's essential to ensure that your portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I suggest streamlining your portfolio by consolidating your investments into fewer funds that cover a broader spectrum of the market. Consider retaining one or two well-performing funds from each category (large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, etc.) to achieve diversification while keeping things manageable.

Regarding allocation, it's crucial to align your investments with your risk profile and financial goals. A common approach is to allocate a higher percentage to large-cap funds for stability and then allocate smaller portions to mid-cap and small-cap funds for growth potential. However, the exact allocation would depend on factors like your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and overall financial situation.

I recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can conduct a detailed analysis of your financial goals and risk profile to provide personalized advice on asset allocation and fund selection.

In conclusion, while your initiative to invest through SIPs is commendable, refining your portfolio and asset allocation can optimize your returns and reduce unnecessary complexity.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Dear Sir, I am 40 years old, happily married, have 2 daughters 7 years and 3 years old. My financials are 1. Real Estate 1.50 cr. Land and 2 houses (house value: 85 lakhs: Monthly rental yield 30,000) 2. ULIP 18,000 monthly for 5 years. (19 months completed. Corpus: 4 lakhs) C. Mutual funds 50,000 (just started). I can invest monthly 1.50 lakhs now. Please advice the best categories of Mutual Funds to invest as SIP. Also, thinking to sell the house of 85 lakhs value and put in SWP. Please advice.
Ans: You are 40 years old, happily married with two daughters aged 7 and 3. You have real estate worth Rs. 1.50 crores, including two houses (one valued at Rs. 85 lakhs with a monthly rental yield of Rs. 30,000). You have a ULIP with a monthly contribution of Rs. 18,000 for 5 years, with 19 months completed and a corpus of Rs. 4 lakhs. You have just started investing Rs. 50,000 in mutual funds. You can invest Rs. 1.50 lakhs monthly now.

Investment in Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds are essential for long-term growth. They provide high returns over time. You can invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Large-cap funds are less risky. Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher returns but come with higher risks.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds provide stability to your portfolio. They invest in bonds and government securities. They are less volatile and offer regular returns. You can consider short-term and long-term debt funds based on your investment horizon.

Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They balance risk and return. They are suitable for moderate risk takers. They provide stability with some growth potential.

Tax-saving Mutual Funds
ELSS funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C. They have a lock-in period of 3 years. They offer good returns and help in tax planning. You can allocate a portion of your investments to these funds.

Selling the House and SWP
Selling the house worth Rs. 85 lakhs can provide a lump sum. You can invest this in a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). SWP offers regular income from mutual funds. It provides flexibility and better returns compared to rental income. Ensure to consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to align this with your financial goals.

Investment Strategy
Increase your SIP contributions to Rs. 1.50 lakhs monthly. Diversify your investments across equity, debt, and hybrid funds. Review your portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Professional Guidance
Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can provide a tailored financial plan. Professional guidance helps achieve your financial goals efficiently.

Final Insights
Focus on long-term growth with equity funds. Maintain stability with debt funds. Balance risk and return with hybrid funds. Consider tax-saving ELSS funds. Review your portfolio regularly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
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Pls advise My age is 50 yrs Started mutual fund investment now Icici pru opportunities fund Direct growth 1k Icici pru equity n debt direct growth 1.5k Sbi advantage drect growth 50000,Hdfc midcap opportunities 10000 Kotak opportunities fund direct 10000 OnlySip started pls advise is it fine amd Other Sip pls suggest Total investment 3.30 k SBI contra Sip 10000
Ans: Current Financial Situation
You are 50 years old.

You have started investing in mutual funds recently.

Existing Investments
ICICI Pru Opportunities Fund Direct Growth: Rs 1,000 SIP.

ICICI Pru Equity & Debt Direct Growth: Rs 1,500 SIP.

SBI Advantage Direct Growth: Rs 50,000 lump sum.

HDFC Midcap Opportunities: Rs 10,000 lump sum.

Kotak Opportunities Fund Direct Growth: Rs 10,000 lump sum.

SBI Contra Fund SIP: Rs 10,000.

Evaluation and Analysis
Investment Mix
Your investments are diversified across equity, hybrid, and contra funds.

This mix provides a balance between growth and stability.

SIPs and Lump Sum Investments
SIPs are beneficial for averaging out market volatility over time.

Lump sum investments in midcap and opportunities funds add potential for higher returns.

Recommendations
Continue Current SIPs
Your current SIPs in ICICI Pru Opportunities and ICICI Pru Equity & Debt are good for diversification.

Continue with these SIPs for consistent growth.

Review Lump Sum Investments
Your lump sum investments in SBI Advantage, HDFC Midcap Opportunities, and Kotak Opportunities Fund are well-placed.

Keep these investments but review their performance annually.

Additional SIPs
To further diversify and strengthen your portfolio, consider adding the following SIPs:

Large Cap Fund: Invest Rs 5,000 monthly. This will provide stability and steady growth.

Flexi Cap Fund: Invest Rs 5,000 monthly. This fund adjusts investments across market caps based on market conditions.

International Fund: Invest Rs 3,000 monthly. This adds geographical diversification and reduces country-specific risks.

Increase in Existing SIPs
Increase your SIP in ICICI Pru Opportunities Fund to Rs 3,000. This fund has good growth potential.

Increase your SIP in ICICI Pru Equity & Debt to Rs 3,000. This hybrid fund balances risk and return.

Health Insurance
Ensure you have a comprehensive health insurance plan. This is crucial at your age to cover medical emergencies.
Retirement Planning
Aim to invest at least 20% of your monthly income towards retirement funds.

Consider investing in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for balanced growth.

Final Insights
Your diversified investment strategy is commendable. Continue your existing SIPs and consider adding new ones.

Increase your SIP amounts in high-potential funds.

Secure comprehensive health insurance to cover medical expenses.

Review your portfolio annually with a Certified Financial Planner to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Aim for a balanced portfolio that includes large cap, flexi cap, and international funds for robust growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Hello Sir, this is Dhiraj DM, I am 48 year's old married with no kids, we have any flat worth 1. 5 cr given on rent around 50 lakhs of equity 20 lacs mutual funds we want to retire in next 3 years,please guide. We live in a metro no liability, we r into Gifting business now want to retire in next 3 years
Ans: Your retirement is just three years away. You have built a strong foundation with real estate, equity, and mutual funds. Now, the goal is to structure your investments for steady income, security, and long-term sustainability.

1. Assessing Your Current Financial Position
Flat Worth Rs. 1.5 Crore: This generates rental income, but liquidity is limited.
Equity Portfolio of Rs. 50 Lakh: Market-linked investments with potential for high returns but volatile.
Mutual Funds of Rs. 20 Lakh: Offers diversification and moderate risk exposure.
No Liabilities: This is a strong advantage for financial freedom.
Gifting Business: If planning to exit, ensure business-related finances are sorted before retirement.
2. Estimating Post-Retirement Income Needs
Calculate expected monthly expenses, including medical, travel, lifestyle, and emergency costs.
Factor in inflation, as expenses will rise over time.
Consider long-term costs such as medical care and home maintenance.
3. Structuring Retirement Income
Rental Income as a Fixed Source
Your flat generates rental income, which helps with stability.
Consider reinvesting this income for further growth.
Portfolio Rebalancing for Stability
Equity exposure is beneficial but risky close to retirement.
Shift some funds to low-risk instruments for safety.
Keep some allocation to equity to combat inflation.
Maintaining Liquidity for Emergencies
Create an emergency fund of at least 2 years' expenses in liquid assets.
Avoid relying solely on investments that require selling in volatile markets.
4. Health and Insurance Planning
Ensure comprehensive health insurance for both of you, at least Rs. 15-20 lakh coverage.
If you hold any old insurance policies with low returns, consider restructuring them.
Create a separate healthcare fund for long-term medical expenses.
5. Tax Efficiency in Retirement
Structure withdrawals smartly to reduce tax burden on capital gains.
Use tax-free instruments where applicable.
Rental income is taxable, so deduct maintenance expenses to lower tax outgo.
6. Planning Investments for Retirement Income
Avoid complete reliance on fixed-income instruments, as they may not beat inflation.
A mix of mutual funds, debt instruments, and systematic withdrawal plans (SWP) will ensure steady cash flow.
Keep some investments growth-oriented to sustain wealth over decades.
7. Estate and Legacy Planning
Prepare a clear will to ensure smooth asset transfer.
If you plan to donate or support causes, structure funds accordingly.
Finally
Ensure liquidity and stability in your investments.
Reduce risk in equity but keep exposure for growth.
Maintain a dedicated healthcare fund and strong insurance coverage.
Structure investments to minimise taxes and ensure steady income.
Plan legacy and succession to avoid future complications.
Would you like a detailed plan on how to allocate your investments for steady retirement income?

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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