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26-Year-Old Asks: Is My Current Investment Strategy Enough for the Future?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7548 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 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 - Jul 13, 2024Hindi
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Money

I am 26 years old , i am investing 1k/month on stock & doing SIP's in 1k/month in ICICI prudential bharat 22 FoF direct growth , 500/month in HDFC mid cap opportunities direct plan, 500/month in mahindra manulife aggresive hybrid & 500/month in nippon india ultra short duration is this much enough for future perception

Ans: Your Current Investment Strategy
At 26, your investment journey has begun well. You are investing Rs 1k/month in stocks and doing SIPs in various mutual funds. This is a great start.

Evaluating Your SIPs
Stock Investments
Investing in stocks directly can yield high returns. However, it comes with high risk. Ensure you research well before picking stocks. Diversify across sectors to manage risk.

ICICI Prudential Bharat 22 FoF
This fund focuses on PSU companies. It has potential but can be volatile. Keep an eye on its performance.

HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities
Mid-cap funds can provide good growth. They are riskier than large-cap but can outperform in the long run. Your SIP in this fund is a smart choice.

Mahindra Manulife Aggressive Hybrid
This hybrid fund balances equity and debt. It offers stability and growth. This fund is a good addition to your portfolio.

Nippon India Ultra Short Duration
This fund invests in short-term debt instruments. It provides liquidity and low risk. It's suitable for short-term goals.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem cheaper due to lower fees. However, regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offer several benefits:

Professional Advice: A CFP provides tailored advice based on your goals.

Active Management: Regular funds are actively managed by experts.

Emotional Support: CFPs help you stay disciplined during market fluctuations.

Enhancing Your Portfolio
Diversify: Ensure you have a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Long-Term Focus: Stay invested for the long term to ride out market volatility.

Review Regularly: Monitor your investments and make adjustments as needed.

Actively Managed Funds vs Index Funds
Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market. They can provide higher returns than index funds, which only track the market. Although actively managed funds have higher fees, the potential for better performance justifies the cost.

Final Insights
Keep Learning: Enhance your knowledge about investments.

Stay Disciplined: Consistency is key to wealth creation.

Seek Professional Help: A Certified Financial Planner can guide you better.

Your current investment approach is commendable. With slight adjustments, you can further improve your portfolio.

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7548 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 21, 2023Hindi
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Hello Kirtan, I am 35 years old and I am doing SIP of 17700. 4000 in TATA multicap, 3000 in TATA digital, 1000 in TATA small cap, 4400 in HDFC flexicap, 3300 in ICICI NIFTY 50 INDEX and 2000 in NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP. What is your Opinion. I have no short terms goal. I just want to invest money for as long as I can.
Ans: It's great to see your commitment to long-term investing at 35. Your diversified SIP portfolio reflects a thoughtful approach to wealth accumulation. Let's delve into some insights:

Diversification: Your allocation across multiple fund categories - multicap, digital, small cap, flexicap, and index funds - spreads risk and captures growth opportunities across different market segments. This diversification is crucial for long-term wealth creation.
Focus on Growth: By investing in multicap and small cap funds, you're targeting companies across various market capitalizations, aiming for higher growth potential over the long term. Additionally, digital and flexicap funds offer exposure to sectors with significant growth prospects, aligning with your long-term investment horizon.
Index Fund Inclusion: Incorporating an index fund like NIFTY 50 INDEX provides exposure to the broader market while keeping costs low. It complements your actively managed funds and ensures broad market participation.
Review and Rebalance: Periodically review your portfolio's performance and asset allocation to ensure it remains aligned with your long-term goals and risk tolerance. Rebalance if necessary to optimize returns and manage risk effectively.
Overall, your investment strategy appears well-structured for long-term wealth accumulation. However, continue monitoring market trends and adjusting your portfolio as needed. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial objectives and aspirations.

Your commitment to long-term investing is commendable, and with diligence and strategic planning, you're on track towards financial success.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7548 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello Sir I am 45 year old and I have been investing Rs.1000/- as SIP in following stock - 1 Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund 2 Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan – Growth 3 Canara Robeco Emerging Equities - Regular Plan – GROWTH 4 HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund - Regular Growth Plan 5 ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund – Growth 6 Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver Fund-Growth And I also have invested Rs.50,000/- in liquiloans I just want to know is my investment is good or do I need to make more investment or any changes in my invest ment Sir pls do reply Thanks & Regard
Ans: Congratulations on taking proactive steps towards securing your financial future at the age of 45! Your commitment to investing is admirable and sets a solid foundation for wealth accumulation.

Understanding Your Portfolio:

You've chosen a diversified portfolio with investments across various mutual funds, including small-cap, flexi-cap, large and mid-cap, and ELSS tax saver funds. Additionally, your investment in Liquiloans adds an alternative asset class to your portfolio.

Assessing the Investment Mix:

Your portfolio reflects a well-rounded approach, with exposure to different market segments and investment styles. Small-cap funds offer growth potential, while flexi-cap and large and mid-cap funds provide stability and diversification.

Evaluating Investment Choices:

Each fund you've selected has its unique investment objective and risk profile. Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund and Canara Robeco Emerging Equities focus on small and emerging companies, potentially offering high returns but also higher volatility.

Axis Flexi Cap Fund, HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund, and ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund offer flexibility in asset allocation, blending exposure across market caps. Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver Fund provides tax benefits along with long-term wealth accumulation.

Analyzing Additional Investment:

Your decision to invest in Liquiloans introduces an element of diversification beyond traditional mutual funds. However, peer-to-peer lending platforms like Liquiloans carry inherent risks, including credit and default risk, which should be carefully considered.

Recommendation for Consideration:

Given your age and investment horizon, your portfolio seems appropriately diversified. However, it's crucial to regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Consider seeking professional help for yourself. A therapist or counselor can provide a safe space for you to explore these feelings, work through the trauma, and develop strategies to cope with intrusive thoughts. They can also help you understand the importance of medical privacy and the necessity of certain procedures, which may ease your discomfort over time.

Additionally, you might want to explore couples counseling. This can help both of you navigate this situation together, rebuild trust, and strengthen your relationship. Remember, your goal is to maintain a loving and supportive partnership, and professional guidance can be instrumental in achieving that.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7548 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 17, 2025Hindi
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Money
I'm 35 years old. I want to invest INR 65000 for retirement at 50 years old. My current expenses 65000 per month. Please guide me.
Ans: Retiring at 50 with your current lifestyle requires a carefully crafted investment strategy. Here’s a detailed guide tailored to your goal.

Step 1: Define Retirement Corpus Requirement
Current Monthly Expenses: Rs. 65,000.
Inflation Adjustment: At 6% inflation, your expenses will increase significantly by 50.
Retirement Corpus: The corpus must sustain you for at least 30+ years post-retirement.
Lifestyle Goals: Include travel, medical emergencies, and aspirational expenses in calculations.
Step 2: Asset Allocation Strategy
A balanced mix of equity and debt instruments can help grow your wealth steadily while minimizing risks.

1. Equity Mutual Funds (70% Allocation)
Why Equity? High growth potential to beat inflation over the long term.
Recommended Categories: Flexi-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap funds.
SIP/Investable Amount: Invest Rs. 45,500 monthly in equity mutual funds.
2. Debt Instruments (30% Allocation)
Why Debt? Stability and regular income during volatile markets.
Recommended Options: PPF, short-term debt mutual funds, or NPS (Tier I).
SIP/Investable Amount: Allocate Rs. 19,500 monthly.
Step 3: Include Inflation Protection
Inflation reduces the value of money significantly over time.
Your retirement corpus should grow faster than the inflation rate.
Equity exposure helps overcome inflation impacts effectively.
Step 4: Ensure Tax Efficiency
1. Equity Mutual Funds
Tax Rules: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
Action Plan: Use annual redemption to manage gains below taxable limits.
2. PPF and NPS
Tax Benefits: Both offer tax-saving benefits under Section 80C.
Lock-in Period: Ensure alignment with your retirement timeline.
Step 5: Emergency Fund Creation
Build an emergency fund equivalent to 12 months’ expenses (Rs. 7.8 lakh).
Park it in liquid funds or a high-yield savings account for quick access.
Step 6: Health and Risk Coverage
Health Insurance: Ensure adequate coverage to avoid depleting investments during medical emergencies.
Life Insurance: Use a term plan to secure your dependents until you achieve your retirement goal.
Step 7: Regular Portfolio Reviews
Review your portfolio every six months.
Rebalance based on performance, changing goals, and market conditions.
Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner for optimized asset allocation.
Step 8: Additional Recommendations
Avoid Real Estate: Illiquid and high transaction costs make it unsuitable for your timeline.
Avoid Direct Investments: Opt for regular plans via mutual fund distributors guided by a CFP.
Diversify Investments: Explore international mutual funds for added growth.
Step 9: Incremental Contributions
Increase your SIP amount annually by 10-15% to align with income growth.
This ensures your corpus grows significantly over time.
Finally
Achieving financial independence by 50 is ambitious but achievable. Consistency in investments, inflation-adjusted growth, and regular reviews are critical. Focus on disciplined execution of the outlined plan for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

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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