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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8311 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 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
Shivam Question by Shivam on May 12, 2024Hindi
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I am 26 year with monthly savings of about 50k . I want to start investment in different portfolio . I would also need saving for my marriage after 2 years . Can u suggest me my portfolio .

Ans: As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the significance of tailoring an investment portfolio that aligns with your financial goals and aspirations. With your monthly savings of 50k and a forthcoming marriage in mind, let’s delve into creating a diversified investment strategy that suits your needs.

Understanding Your Goals
Firstly, congratulations on your commitment to financial planning at such a young age. Your dedication to saving and investing is commendable and sets a strong foundation for your future financial security.

Short-Term Needs: Saving for Marriage
With your marriage on the horizon in just two years, it's essential to prioritize your short-term savings. Opting for low-risk investment avenues is prudent to ensure the funds are readily available when needed. Consider avenues like liquid funds or short-term debt funds, which offer stability and liquidity.

Long-Term Growth: Building Your Portfolio
Diversification is key to mitigating risks and maximizing returns over the long term. While real estate is often considered, it comes with its own set of challenges, including illiquidity and high upfront costs. Hence, we'll explore other avenues for wealth accumulation.

Equity Investments: Embracing Growth Opportunities
Equities, despite their volatility, offer unparalleled growth potential over the long term. Actively managed equity mutual funds, overseen by skilled fund managers, can capitalize on market opportunities and navigate risks effectively. Unlike index funds, actively managed funds have the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and outperform benchmarks.

Debt Instruments: Balancing Risk and Stability
Incorporating debt instruments in your portfolio provides stability and regular income. Opt for a mix of medium to long-term debt funds, which offer higher returns compared to traditional savings instruments like fixed deposits. Regular funds managed by Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) with CFP credentials ensure personalized guidance and assistance, enhancing your investment experience.

Gold Investments: Hedging Against Uncertainty
Gold serves as a hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation. Allocating a small portion of your portfolio to gold, either through gold mutual funds or sovereign gold bonds, adds diversification and stability.

Emergency Fund: Safeguarding Your Financial Well-being
Maintaining an emergency fund equivalent to at least six months of expenses is crucial to handle unforeseen financial emergencies without disrupting your investment portfolio. Keep this fund in easily accessible avenues like savings accounts or liquid funds.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Periodically reviewing your portfolio and rebalancing it ensures it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Life events, market conditions, and personal circumstances may warrant adjustments to your investment strategy.

Conclusion
In crafting your investment portfolio, it's vital to strike a balance between growth, stability, and liquidity while keeping your short-term and long-term goals in mind. By diversifying across various asset classes and seeking professional guidance, you can embark on a journey towards financial success and security.

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  |8311 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 20, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 29, 2024Hindi
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I am 33 years old with a monthly salary of 2 lakhs. I have a 6 year old son. I have a home loan of 37 lakhs. Monthly expenses 31500 of home loan emi , house expenses 60000 . I have no emergency fund. I have to start investing in mutual fund and stocks . Please help in guiding me for the same to build the portfolio within next 15 to 20 years
Ans: You are 33 years old, earning Rs. 2 lakhs per month. You have a 6-year-old son. You have a home loan of Rs. 37 lakhs, with an EMI of Rs. 31,500. Your house expenses total Rs. 60,000 per month. You do not have an emergency fund and are looking to start investing in mutual funds. Given your situation, it’s best to focus on mutual funds rather than direct stocks.

Setting Up an Emergency Fund
Before starting your investments, the first priority is to establish an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least six months of your essential expenses. Based on your current expenses, aim to build an emergency fund of Rs. 6-8 lakhs.

Begin by setting aside a portion of your monthly income.

Keep this fund in a liquid instrument like a savings account or a liquid mutual fund.

This will provide a financial cushion in case of unforeseen events.

Balancing Your Debt
Your home loan is a significant commitment. But considering the benefits of owning property and the tax deductions on interest payments, continue with the EMI payments.

Ensure that you are not over-leveraged.

Prioritize paying off the loan as per your comfort, but do not rush into prepayments if it compromises your investment potential.

Investing in Mutual Funds
Given your long-term goal of building a portfolio over the next 15 to 20 years, mutual funds are an excellent option. They offer diversification, professional management, and the potential for higher returns compared to traditional savings instruments.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a disciplined way to invest in mutual funds. It allows you to invest a fixed amount every month, which can align with your cash flow and risk tolerance.

Start with a SIP amount that you are comfortable with.

Over time, as your income increases, you can increase your SIP contributions.

Types of Mutual Funds
To build a robust portfolio, consider a mix of different types of mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: These funds invest primarily in stocks and are suitable for long-term growth. They come with higher risk but also have the potential for higher returns. Since you are young and have a long investment horizon, allocate a significant portion of your investment here.

Debt Mutual Funds: These funds invest in fixed-income securities and are less risky compared to equity funds. They offer stability to your portfolio.

Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt. They balance growth with stability, making them suitable if you want to reduce risk without compromising on potential returns.

Importance of Professional Guidance
Investing in direct stocks can be tempting, but it requires time, knowledge, and constant monitoring. As a 33-year-old with other responsibilities, it is wise to stick to mutual funds managed by professionals. These funds are overseen by fund managers who have the expertise to navigate market volatility and identify investment opportunities.

Regular Monitoring and Review
Your financial goals and situation may change over time. Regularly review your investments to ensure they align with your goals. Rebalance your portfolio if necessary, but avoid making frequent changes based on short-term market movements.

Tax Planning
Mutual funds also offer tax-efficient options. Equity-linked saving schemes (ELSS) can provide tax benefits under Section 80C. Consider investing in ELSS as part of your overall tax planning strategy.

Building Wealth Over Time
With a systematic approach to investing in mutual funds, you can build a substantial corpus over the next 15 to 20 years. The key is consistency, patience, and sticking to your plan without getting swayed by market noise.

Final Insights
Focus on building a strong financial foundation with an emergency fund and a balanced mutual fund portfolio. Avoid the complexities of direct stock investing, and let your investments grow over time through the power of compounding.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8311 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 29, 2024Hindi
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I am 33 years old female with a monthly salary of 2 lakhs. I have a 6 year old son. I have a home loan of 37 lakhs. Monthly expenses 31500 of home loan emi , house expenses 60000 . I have no emergency fund. I have to start investing in mutual fund and stocks . Please help in guiding me for the same to build the portfolio within next 15 to 20 years. I have to retire at 50
Ans: I appreciate your proactive approach to planning your financial future. You have a clear goal to retire by 50, and I can guide you on how to achieve this.

Current Financial Situation
Age: 33 years

Monthly Salary: Rs 2 lakhs

Home Loan: Rs 37 lakhs with a monthly EMI of Rs 31,500

Monthly Household Expenses: Rs 60,000

No Emergency Fund: This is a critical aspect to address

Investment Goals: Building a portfolio for retirement and starting investments in mutual funds and stocks

Building an Emergency Fund
Before you start investing, it's crucial to build an emergency fund.

Fund Size: Aim for 6-12 months of expenses

Monthly Savings: Set aside Rs 30,000-40,000 monthly until you reach this goal

Savings Account: Use a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund

Home Loan Management
Your home loan EMI is Rs 31,500, a significant portion of your monthly expenses.

Prepayment: Consider making lump sum prepayments when possible to reduce the loan tenure and interest

Interest Rates: Regularly review and switch to lower interest rates if available

Investment Strategy for Mutual Funds
Diversified Portfolio
Creating a diversified portfolio will help balance risk and returns.

Large-Cap Funds: These funds invest in large, established companies. They offer stability and steady growth.

Mid-Cap Funds: These funds invest in medium-sized companies with high growth potential. They are moderately risky.

Multi-Cap Funds: These funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, providing diversified growth.

Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS): These funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C and are good for long-term growth.

SIPs for Consistent Investing
Start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) to invest regularly.

Monthly SIP Amount: Aim to invest Rs 50,000-60,000 monthly across different funds

Automate Investments: Set up automatic transfers to ensure consistent investing

Active Fund Management
Actively managed funds often outperform index funds.

Fund Manager’s Track Record: Choose funds with experienced managers who have a good performance history

Risk-Adjusted Returns: Evaluate funds based on risk-adjusted returns

Stock Investments
Investing in stocks can provide higher returns but comes with higher risk.

Building a Stock Portfolio
Blue-Chip Stocks: Invest in well-established companies with a strong track record

Growth Stocks: Invest in companies with high growth potential

Diversification: Spread investments across various sectors to reduce risk

Regular Monitoring
Review Performance: Regularly monitor your stock portfolio

Adjust Holdings: Make adjustments based on market conditions and company performance

Insurance Coverage
Ensuring adequate insurance coverage is crucial for financial security.

Health Insurance
Coverage Amount: Ensure you have a health insurance policy with adequate coverage

Family Floater: Consider a family floater plan for comprehensive coverage

Life Insurance
Term Plan: Opt for a term plan to provide financial security for your family

Coverage Amount: The sum assured should be at least 10-15 times your annual income

Retirement Planning
Setting Retirement Goals
Monthly Income Requirement: Estimate the monthly income you will need post-retirement

Inflation Adjustment: Factor in inflation to ensure your savings last throughout retirement

Investment for Retirement
Long-Term Equity Investments: Continue investing in equity mutual funds for long-term growth

Debt Funds: Gradually shift to debt funds as you approach retirement for stability

Regular Review and Adjustment
Annual Review: Review your financial plan annually

Adjust Investments: Make necessary adjustments based on changes in income, expenses, and financial goals

Final Insights
By building an emergency fund, managing your home loan, and strategically investing in mutual funds and stocks, you can achieve your retirement goal. Diversify your investments, ensure adequate insurance coverage, and regularly review your financial plan. This comprehensive approach will help you build a robust portfolio over the next 15-20 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8311 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 13, 2025

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Good morning sir. I am 51 years old professionally i am cab driver monthly income 33 thousand i have no investment i have no emergence fund i have no bank balance i have only my own house and my father gift a property worth 2800000. I have three children's daughter age of 16 Two sons age of 10 year my goal is both childrens education daughters marriage and my retirement planning please suggest me investment portfolio Thanks
Ans: You own a house and a property worth Rs 28 lakh. These are valuable assets. Your income is Rs 33,000 per month. You need to plan for your children’s education, daughter’s marriage, and retirement. Start step by step.

Build an Emergency Fund
Set aside 3–6 months of expenses for emergencies. Begin small with Rs 3,000–5,000 monthly savings. Use a bank savings account or liquid mutual fund. This fund provides security in tough times.

Secure Your Family with Term Insurance
Buy a term insurance policy for at least Rs 50 lakh. This protects your family financially in your absence. Premiums are affordable and provide peace of mind.

Health Insurance is Essential
Buy a family floater health insurance plan. Ensure coverage of at least Rs 10 lakh. This protects against medical expenses and reduces financial strain.

Create a Monthly Budget
Track your monthly expenses and income. Allocate a portion to savings and investments. Prioritise essential expenses over luxuries.

Plan for Children’s Education
Start investing for your children’s higher education. Open a recurring deposit or invest in a child-specific mutual fund plan. Begin with small contributions and increase them gradually.

Plan for Daughter’s Marriage
Allocate a portion of the Rs 28 lakh property for this goal. You can sell it in the future when needed. Start a small savings plan to support this goal as well.

Start Investing in Mutual Funds
Invest in mutual funds for long-term goals like retirement. Begin with Rs 2,000–3,000 per month. Choose diversified or balanced funds for steady growth.

Sell the Gifted Property Strategically
Keep the property for now unless urgent funds are required. Use its value as a backup for future needs like education or marriage.

Focus on Retirement Planning
You must plan for retirement as a priority. Start a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account for tax-free savings. Consider investing in mutual funds for long-term growth.

Benefits of Regular Funds and CFP Guidance
Investing through regular funds provides professional advice. Certified Financial Planners guide you with tailored strategies. They align your investments with your goals.

Avoid Direct and Index Funds
Direct funds lack professional guidance. Index funds only mirror the market and may underperform actively managed funds. Actively managed funds offer higher growth potential with expert management.

Monitor Tax Implications
Equity mutual funds’ LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%. STCG is taxed at 20%. Plan your withdrawals strategically to minimise taxes.

Teach Financial Discipline
Educate your children about savings and budgeting. Encourage them to value money and save wisely.

Finally
Focus on one goal at a time. Build an emergency fund first. Secure your family with insurance. Start investing small amounts for long-term goals. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner for better results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8311 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2025
Money
Hi Sir, I have a property in Mumbai suburb (approx 40L) and its location is perfect near station, bus stop, heart of the city etc. It's very old around 36 years old. I have just inherited it and I am finishing the legal procedure of it. The monthly maintenance is increasing every year and we are still waiting for redevelopment to happen. I am housewife and require monthly income. We also have loans around 25 L. My husband is int IT field and I am German language expert. We have a son 3 years. Some are saying to give it on rent and some are saying to sell it off for repaying loans. Even if I sell it I would like to reinvest it somewhere for getting monthly income, preferably a property. I want a secure investment for meeting the requirements for my son's education as my husband's field is very volatile due to regular layoffs and stuff. Kindly guide
Ans: You have inherited a 36-year-old property worth around Rs 40 lakh.
You have Rs 25 lakh loans to repay.
You are a housewife but a German language expert, and your husband is in IT.
You want monthly income and secure future planning, especially for your son.

You have inherited a valuable property in Mumbai suburb.

You are completing the legal formalities rightly, which is very important.

You are thinking ahead for monthly income, child education, and loan repayment.

Very few people show this kind of foresight. You deserve appreciation.

Challenges You Are Facing Now

Property is old, around 36 years, and needs maintenance.

Maintenance charges are rising every year, increasing burden.

Redevelopment is uncertain and unpredictable.

You have Rs 25 lakh loans creating stress.

Husband's IT field is unstable due to layoffs.

You want a secure monthly income and financial stability.

Option 1: Giving Property on Rent

You can earn monthly rental income by renting it out.

Typical rent may be around Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 per month.

Rental yield will be hardly 2%-3% on Rs 40 lakh value.

This is very low compared to your needs and loan burden.

Maintenance charges, property tax, repairs will further reduce your income.

Vacancy risk is also there if tenants leave.

Overall, rental income may not fully support your financial goals.

Option 2: Selling the Property

Selling can give you around Rs 40 lakh.

You can immediately clear Rs 25 lakh loans.

After repaying loans, you will still have around Rs 15 lakh.

Loan closure will bring huge mental peace and cash flow freedom.

No more EMI burden means husband's salary can be saved better.

You can use balance Rs 15 lakh wisely to generate monthly income.

Important Insights on Redevelopment

Redevelopment can take 5-10 years easily.

Many projects get delayed due to disputes and permissions.

Till redevelopment happens, maintenance and repair costs rise.

You may have to stay invested without any income for long.

Your immediate needs for income and loan closure will not be solved.

Depending on redevelopment alone is very risky at this stage.

What You Should Ideally Do

Prefer selling the property now while market is still decent.

Clear all Rs 25 lakh loans fully and become completely debt-free.

Debt-free life is the biggest financial freedom you can gift your family.

With balance money, create a secure income plan.

Stay light without property burdens and maintenance worries.

Focus on building an education corpus for your son and retirement corpus.

Where to Invest After Selling

Do not buy another property immediately for investment.

Property rental yields are low, and liquidity is very poor.

Instead, create a mix of debt mutual funds and hybrid mutual funds.

These can give you monthly income using Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).

This method protects your capital and gives you flexible monthly payouts.

Debt mutual funds can provide 6%-7% returns safely with low risk.

Balanced advantage funds can give 8%-10% returns over 3-5 years.

Always choose regular mutual fund plans through a MFD who is also a Certified Financial Planner.

Why Not Property for Reinvestment?

Property is illiquid; selling it again takes months or years.

Property has heavy costs like stamp duty, registration, brokerage, repairs.

Rentals are taxed fully as income, eating away returns.

If tenant defaults or property is vacant, you get zero income.

Maintaining property is a headache, especially in old buildings.

Mutual funds offer better flexibility, better tax-efficiency, and better liquidity.

Disadvantages of Direct Plans (Important for You to Know)

If you invest in direct mutual fund plans yourself, you miss expert guidance.

Wrong fund selection, wrong withdrawal rate can destroy your capital.

Regular plans through a CFP-backed MFD give proper fund selection and review.

Charges in regular plan are justified because it protects your long-term wealth.

Getting professional hand-holding is very important for your peace of mind.

Additional Steps You Must Take

Keep a separate emergency fund of Rs 3 lakh in liquid mutual funds.

Buy a good term insurance cover for husband (at least Rs 1 crore).

Ensure you have a good health insurance for the whole family.

Start a small SIP for your son’s education goal systematically.

Slowly explore freelancing as a German language expert to earn extra income.

Future Planning for Your Son

Education costs are rising 10%-12% every year in India.

For good education after 15 years, you will need a large corpus.

Start small SIPs in good mutual funds focused on child education.

Stay committed for long-term without withdrawals.

Education planning must be top priority after loan closure.

Final Insights

Renting out the old property will not solve your loan and income issues properly.

Selling the property now and clearing the loans is the better, safer step.

Remaining money should be invested wisely for monthly income generation.

Avoid buying new properties now. Focus on mutual fund income plans.

Build emergency reserves, insurance covers, and an education fund for your son.

Stay light, stay debt-free, and keep life flexible financially.

Your thinking is already mature. With correct action, your future will be very secure.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8311 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 28, 2025
Money
Could you tell me the ideal stock quantity for me as I am investing 10k in each stock and I get minimum 30 percent return so I am not happy with reward. FYI my portfolio is of 5 Lacks investing since 2017.
Ans: You have a Rs 5 lakh stock portfolio.
You are investing Rs 10,000 in each stock.
You are getting around 30% returns, but you are not fully happy.

Let me help you with detailed insights.

Appreciating Your Journey So Far

You started investing in 2017, which shows good discipline.

Growing the portfolio with regular Rs 10,000 investments is a smart habit.

Earning 30% returns is not bad, especially in Indian stock markets.

Many investors struggle even to beat inflation in long-term investing.

You deserve appreciation for steady progress and patience.

Understanding Your Concern

You want even better returns than 30%.

You feel Rs 10,000 in each stock is limiting your potential.

You are looking for an ideal number of stocks for higher growth.

Ideal Number of Stocks to Hold

If portfolio is Rs 5 lakh, then having 15 to 20 stocks is healthy.

Less than 10 stocks can make portfolio risky and unstable.

More than 25 stocks will dilute returns and weaken performance.

Around 18 stocks can give you good balance of safety and growth.

Each stock can ideally carry 4% to 7% weight in your portfolio.

Problems of Over-Diversification

Holding too many stocks reduces focus.

Monitoring all stocks becomes difficult.

Even if some stocks do well, overall portfolio may not reflect it.

Returns get pulled down when poor stocks dilute the strong ones.

Problems of Under-Diversification

Too few stocks increase risks sharply.

Bad performance of one stock hits portfolio badly.

Emotional decision making becomes harder.

Volatility can become scary during market falls.

Fine-Tuning Your Approach

Increase your per stock investment slightly to Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000.

Focus on holding 15 to 20 strong companies across sectors.

Prioritise companies with strong balance sheet and consistent profits.

Look for companies with leadership in their industries.

Reduce churning of stocks; stay invested patiently.

Sector Allocation Guidance

Allocate across banking, FMCG, pharma, IT, auto, and energy sectors.

Avoid over-investing in one sector or theme.

Always maintain sector diversification for stability.

Reviewing Your Return Expectations

Expecting more than 30% return consistently can be risky.

Stock market returns move in cycles.

In good years, 40%-60% returns may happen.

In bad years, even negative returns can occur.

Long-term average return expectation should be around 12%-18%.

Identifying the Real Issue

30% growth is a strong outcome compared to bank FDs and debt funds.

If you feel unhappy, maybe it is because of high expectations.

Managing emotions is key to wealth creation.

Recommended Action Plan

Stick to around 18 focused high-quality stocks.

Increase amount slightly if you find very strong companies.

Focus on strong fundamentals, not just price movements.

Rebalance portfolio once in a year to maintain sector weight.

Invest fresh money slowly when good opportunities arise.

Additional Important Points

Don't take high risks to chase higher returns.

Wealth building is a marathon, not a sprint.

Stay disciplined and trust your process.

Consistency will reward you richly in next 5-10 years.

Final Insights

Holding around 15-20 carefully selected stocks is ideal for you.

Focus more on quality stocks than chasing return numbers.

Growing wealth steadily is more important than chasing quick profits.

Stay invested with a cool mind, and you will achieve great success.

Celebrate your discipline till now and keep improving step-by-step.

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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