I am 26 years old, earning around 60k a month. Please suggest some good MFs to do SIP in if I am planning to invest around 20k a month for my long term goals like retirement etc.

Ans: Both are good funds, please continue, further you may consider 2 /3 schemes from:

1. UTI flexi cap fund – Growth.     
2. Parag Parikh Flexi cap - Growth 
3. Samco Flexi Cap – Growth
4. Axis Esg Equity Fund  Growth
5. Hdfc Index Fund - Sensex Plan - Growth

Ans: With investment of Rs 20K for 10 years a corpus of Rs 50 lakh can be created, therefore for Rs 1 cr corpus Rs 40K investment is required.

• Axis ESG Equity Fund Regular Growth
• Uti Flexi Cap Fund-regular Plan-growth
• Hdfc Index Fund - Sensex Plan - Regular Plan - Growth
• Samco Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth

Ans: there is a nice option in case if you are a director in any company, where in whatever you will invest on per annum basis, same amount would be received back by you from 12 th year onwards till next 30 years.
Eg. If you invest 1 lac for say 10 years, so from 11th year end, you will start receiving 1 lac for next 30 years and at the end of 30 years, you will receive back your investment. You can add nominee in this process too.
Risk cover is 10 times of your yly investment.

the above option may best suit you looking at your profile.

If you are salaried person, and if you can spare 20 k, HDFC Micro Fund may be the nice option from available option in my opinion. As a thumb rule, please pull out your investment every 5 years and change the form, from MF to property or gold and keep continue to invest in MF as well.

Ans: Investing in Mutual Funds (MFs) through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) is a smart way to grow your wealth over time. Here are five recommended mutual funds that are considered good for SIP investments based on their past performance, fund management, and portfolio composition. Always remember to review your investment choices periodically and consider consulting with a financial advisor to tailor the recommendations to your specific financial goals and risk tolerance.

1. Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund

• Category: Large Cap
• Investment Objective: To generate long-term capital appreciation by primarily investing in a diversified portfolio of large-cap stocks.
• Why Recommended: Consistent performance with a strong track record of outperforming its benchmark.

2. Axis Bluechip Fund

• Category: Large Cap
• Investment Objective: To achieve long-term capital growth by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of large-cap companies.
• Why Recommended: Strong focus on quality companies with sustainable business models, offering potential for steady returns.

3. SBI Small Cap Fund

• Category: Small Cap
• Investment Objective: To provide investors with opportunities for long-term growth in capital by investing predominantly in a well-diversified basket of small-cap companies.
• Why Recommended: Potential for high returns given the growth prospects of small-cap companies, though with higher risk.

4. HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund
• Category: Mid Cap
• Investment Objective: To generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in mid-cap companies.
• Why Recommended: Consistent track record of identifying mid-cap companies with high growth potential.

5. ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund

• Category: Hybrid (Aggressive Hybrid)
• Investment Objective: To generate long-term capital appreciation and current income by investing in a mix of equity and debt securities.
• Why Recommended: Balanced exposure to both equity and debt, reducing risk while aiming for steady growth.

Investment Strategy

• Monthly Investment: Rs 16,000 in each fund.
• Investment Period: 5 years.

Summary of Monthly SIP Allocation

• Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund: Rs 16,000
• Axis Bluechip Fund: Rs 16,000
• SBI Small Cap Fund: Rs 16,000
• HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund: Rs 16,000
• ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund: Rs 16,000

Key Points to Consider

• Risk Appetite: Ensure these funds match your risk tolerance. Large-cap funds tend to be less volatile than mid-cap and small-cap funds.
• Review Performance: Periodically review the performance of your investments. Mutual fund performances can vary, and it’s wise to adjust your portfolio if needed.
• Diversification: The suggested funds offer a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and hybrid options, providing diversification across different market segments.
Disclaimer
• Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your financial situation and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Ans: You are doing very well at 74.
Your pension income is healthy.
Your lifestyle is secure.
You are debt-free.
And your monthly expense is modest.
You want to invest Rs. 50,000 monthly.
This shows foresight and financial maturity.

Let’s now assess a suitable mutual fund plan for you.
We’ll keep it long-term, balanced, and flexible.
We’ll aim for growth with peace of mind.

? Why mutual funds fit your situation

– You don’t need immediate income from this investment.
– You can take market ups and downs calmly.
– You want wealth growth over time.
– Mutual funds give access to equity, debt, and hybrid options.
– They are flexible and regulated by SEBI.
– SIPs are automatic, simple, and disciplined.
– Returns over long term can beat inflation.

? Choosing right mutual fund categories

– You should not invest only in one type of fund.
– Diversifying across categories gives better stability.
– We need equity, hybrid and small part in debt funds.

Large-cap equity funds:
– These invest in India’s top 100 companies.
– They give stability during market volatility.
– Suitable for conservative growth over 5–7 years.

Flexi-cap or multi-cap equity funds:
– These invest across large, mid, and small companies.
– They provide flexibility and long-term returns.
– Fund manager adjusts allocation based on market.

Balanced advantage funds:
– These manage equity and debt actively.
– When equity market is high, it shifts more to debt.
– This reduces risk and gives smoother returns.
– Good for investors in your age group who want safety and growth.

Hybrid aggressive funds:
– Invest 65–80% in equity, rest in debt.
– Slightly more aggressive than balanced advantage funds.
– Good if you want to beat inflation slightly faster.

Short-term debt funds:
– For liquidity and partial protection.
– Can be used to park money needed within 1–2 years.

? Sample SIP distribution strategy (suggested asset mix)

– Rs. 15,000 in large-cap fund
– Rs. 15,000 in balanced advantage fund
– Rs. 10,000 in flexi-cap fund
– Rs. 5,000 in hybrid aggressive fund
– Rs. 5,000 in short-duration debt fund

– This gives exposure to growth and safety.
– You are not overexposed to any one segment.
– Your total monthly SIP will be Rs. 50,000.

? Why not index funds or ETFs?

– Index funds only copy the market.
– They don’t aim to outperform it.
– No active risk management.
– During market falls, they fall fully.
– They work best for experts who rebalance on their own.
– You don’t get human intelligence or safety controls.

– Actively managed funds offer better flexibility.
– Fund manager can change holdings if market crashes.
– For retirees, this human decision-making is valuable.

? Why not direct plans

– Direct plans don’t give guidance or support.
– Many people pick the wrong funds by going direct.
– They don’t review performance or risk properly.
– They don’t get portfolio balancing help.
– Regular plans through Certified Financial Planner give full-service support.
– The trail commission is small and included in NAV.
– You get peace of mind with professional advice.

? How to track your SIP investment

– Use single portfolio tracker like MFCentral, CAMS+KFintech, or app given by your Certified Financial Planner.
– You can check NAV, growth, returns and performance anytime.
– Keep a file of monthly SIP statement emails.
– Review your performance every year.

? Taxation to know

– If you redeem before 1 year, it’s short-term gain.
– Short-term capital gains (STCG) taxed at 20%.
– After 1 year, it’s long-term capital gain.
– LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh per year taxed at 12.5%.
– For debt funds, gain is taxed as per your tax slab.
– If you invest for more than 5 years, taxes are manageable.
– You can withdraw in parts later to manage tax.

? What happens in case of health emergency

– Keep 6 to 8 months’ monthly expenses in liquid or ultra-short debt fund.
– This helps for any sudden medical or household needs.
– Don’t touch equity fund units for short-term needs.
– Keep family informed about your investments and access.
– Nominee must be added in all funds.

? What to avoid at this age

– Don’t invest in NFOs or new fund offers.
– Avoid high-risk sectoral or small-cap funds.
– Don’t put large lump sum in equity directly.
– Don’t chase return based on past performance.
– Avoid direct stocks or speculative trades.
– Don’t take loans to invest.

? Role of your Certified Financial Planner

– Helps to select best funds that match your goal.
– Monitors portfolio and rebalances it every year.
– Gives emotional support when markets fall.
– Ensures tax-efficiency in redemptions.
– Guides on joint holding, nomination, and transmission.
– Gives estate planning help for your wife and family.

? Finally

– You are financially independent and thinking long term.
– SIPs in mutual funds are smart and disciplined.
– A balanced allocation gives good growth with safety.
– Avoid direct funds or index funds at your age.
– Invest through Certified Financial Planner only.
– Review once a year.
– Enjoy your retirement with peace and confidence.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment