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Nikunj Saraf  | Answer  |Ask -

Mutual Funds Expert - Answered on Oct 28, 2022

Nikunj Saraf has more than five years of experience in financial markets and offers advice about mutual funds. He is vice president at Choice Wealth, a financial institution that offers broking, insurance, loans and government advisory services. Saraf, who is a member of the Institute Of Chartered Accountants of India, has a strong base in financial markets and wealth management.... more
KirtiSharma Question by KirtiSharma on Oct 28, 2022Hindi
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I am 27 years old and had started investing in MF and other instruments for retirement from last year. I currently invest in the following:

1. Axis Bluechip- 4000

2. Canara Robeco Equity tax saver- 3000

3. HDFC Index Nifty 50- 5000

4. Parag Parikh Flexicap- 3000

5. Axis Small cap- 4000

6. Quant Absolute- 2750

7. Tata Digital India Fund- 2200

8. ICICI Prudential nasdaq 100 Index Fund- 3000

9. PPF- 1.5 lakh annually

10. NPS- 50 k annually

Please advice whether I should discard, change or add any funds to my portfolio. I want to plan for an early retirement at the age of 40 and aiming for a corpus of 5 crore. Please advice on the monthly sip amount to achieve the same and appropriate funds. Thank you!

Ans: Hi Kirti Sharma. The portfolio is well diversified, if you are planning for early retirement with corpus of 5 cr in the next 13-14 years. From your current 27k sips, I would suggest increasing it to 1 lakh sips per month.

In addition to the current SIPs, you can increase them by investing in categories like large & mid-cap, mid cap, etc.

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  |7215 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 42 years salaried person investing in MF through SIP from 2014 current corpus is 37 Lakhs in MF. My Current SIP's amount is rs 22000 PM as follows- 1. Nippon Small cap - 2000, 2. Mahindra manulife midcap fund - 7000, Mahindra Manulife Small cap - 4000, PGIM Midcap opportunities Fund - 3000, Quant Flexicap fund - 6000. SIP increasing every year by 5% to 10% No Home loan, term insurance 55 lakhs, medi-claim 10 lakhs, PF & VPF accumulation Rs 16 lakhs. I want to create a good corpus of Rs 6 - 7crore for retirement at 58 years of age. Please suggest if any change required in investment amount or funds.
Ans: It's commendable that you've been consistently investing in mutual funds through SIPs for several years, laying a strong foundation for your retirement. Let's evaluate your current investment strategy and make adjustments to align with your retirement goal.

Your portfolio reflects a diversified mix of small-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds, which offer growth potential over the long term. However, given your goal of building a substantial corpus for retirement, we may need to reassess your asset allocation and make some adjustments.

Firstly, let's review your SIP amounts and consider increasing them gradually to accelerate wealth accumulation. Since your SIPs increase by 5% to 10% annually, this incremental growth can boost your investment corpus significantly over time.

Consider reallocating some of your SIP amounts to funds with a proven track record of consistent performance and lower volatility. While small-cap and mid-cap funds can offer higher returns, they also come with increased risk. Diversifying across large-cap funds or balanced funds can provide stability to your portfolio.

Moreover, review your overall asset allocation to ensure it remains aligned with your risk tolerance and investment objectives. While equity investments offer growth potential, it's essential to balance them with fixed-income securities like debt funds or PPF to mitigate risk.

Given your age and retirement horizon, periodically reassess your investment strategy and make necessary adjustments to stay on track towards your goal. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to develop a personalized retirement plan tailored to your needs and aspirations.

In conclusion, by fine-tuning your investment strategy, increasing your SIP amounts, and maintaining a disciplined approach, you can work towards achieving your retirement goal of building a corpus of Rs 6 - 7 crores by the age of 58.

Best Regards,

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

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7215 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 09, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 43 Years Old and have started MF SIP in the following 05 Funds, ICICI Bluechip Fund 10K, HDFC Felxi Cap - 10K, HDFC - Nifty 50 Fund 10K, TATA Small Cap 10k & Tata Mid cap growth k, Total 50k SIP, the objective is to accumulate corpus for my retirement at age 60. Please advise if the portfolio..Thanks
Ans: Your existing portfolio comprises a mix of large-cap, flexi-cap, small-cap, and mid-cap mutual funds. The objective you have outlined is to accumulate a retirement corpus by age 60, which is commendable.

The combination of different categories of funds in your portfolio indicates a balanced approach. You are ensuring exposure to both large-cap stability and the high growth potential of mid-cap and small-cap segments. However, there are certain areas that could use refinement to maximize your long-term returns, especially considering your goal of retirement.

Let’s break down the elements of your portfolio.

Large-Cap Fund Allocation
Large-cap funds typically invest in well-established companies with a strong market presence. They offer stability and moderate returns, particularly in volatile markets. In your portfolio, Rs. 10,000 is allocated to large-cap funds.

Benefits of large-cap funds:

Provides a cushion during market downturns.
Typically less volatile compared to mid and small-cap funds.
Potential concerns:

Growth potential is limited compared to mid and small-cap funds.
Over time, returns may lag behind other aggressive investments.
Given your long investment horizon of 17 years, while large-cap funds add stability, relying too much on them may limit your growth. A review of your exposure after every 3-5 years is suggested.

Flexi-Cap Fund Allocation
Flexi-cap funds give fund managers the freedom to invest across market capitalizations (large, mid, and small caps). Your allocation of Rs. 10,000 here is a good move because it offers diversification and reduces risk by spreading investments across companies of varying sizes.

Benefits of flexi-cap funds:

Flexibility to navigate across market caps, based on market conditions.
Potential to capture higher growth in mid and small caps while maintaining large-cap stability.
Potential concerns:

Performance is highly dependent on the fund manager’s expertise.
Not immune to market risks during extreme volatility.
Your flexi-cap exposure is solid, but it should be evaluated periodically to ensure it’s aligned with your evolving risk tolerance.

Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Fund Allocation
Small-cap and mid-cap funds, with a total allocation of Rs. 20,000 in your portfolio, are aimed at high-growth potential. These funds can significantly boost your returns over the long term.

Benefits of small and mid-cap funds:

Higher growth potential compared to large-cap funds.
Suitable for long-term investors who can weather short-term volatility.
Potential concerns:

Higher volatility and risk.
Performance can be erratic during market downturns.
Given your long-term horizon, the inclusion of small-cap and mid-cap funds is a positive. However, these funds should be monitored closely. You may want to reduce exposure to them as you near retirement and opt for more stable investments.

Nifty 50 Fund Allocation
Though you mentioned an investment in a Nifty 50-based fund, it is crucial to understand that index funds, including Nifty 50 funds, are passively managed. This means they replicate the index and offer no scope for the fund manager’s expertise to outperform the market.

Drawbacks of index funds:

They follow the market and do not aim to outperform.
In volatile or bearish markets, they offer no downside protection.
Actively managed funds can provide better risk-adjusted returns over the long term.
Given these disadvantages, actively managed funds in the same category may offer more growth potential and better risk management. Consider reallocating some portion of this investment towards actively managed funds for improved performance.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Investing in regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a wise decision. While direct funds might seem attractive due to lower expense ratios, regular funds offer several advantages.

Benefits of regular funds:

You get ongoing professional advice and portfolio reviews from a CFP.
A CFP can help in strategic fund selection, rebalancing, and tax planning.
The marginally higher expense ratio is justified by better service and support.
Disadvantages of direct funds:

Lack of personalized guidance and strategy.
Risk of making uninformed investment decisions.
More time-consuming, as you have to track and manage everything on your own.
In the long run, investing in regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner will likely lead to better returns and effective risk management.

Tax Considerations
It's important to keep in mind the tax implications of mutual fund investments. Here’s a brief overview based on the latest rules:

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equity mutual funds exceeding Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20% for equity mutual funds.
You should plan your withdrawals or systematic withdrawal plans (SWP) closer to retirement to minimize tax liabilities. A CFP can guide you on when to redeem units to maximize tax efficiency.

Review and Monitoring
Mutual funds require periodic reviews. You should evaluate your portfolio every 2-3 years to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance, financial goals, and market conditions. A Certified Financial Planner can help you reassess your investments and suggest necessary adjustments to keep you on track for retirement.

Key aspects to review:

Fund performance relative to peers.
Sectoral allocation to avoid over-concentration.
Rebalancing across market capitalizations based on market cycles.
Risk and Reward Balance
Your current portfolio shows a balanced approach between stability (large and flexi-cap funds) and growth (small and mid-cap funds). However, small and mid-cap funds can be volatile, and their allocation should be adjusted as you get closer to retirement. As you reach your 50s, shifting towards more conservative options, such as large-cap or balanced funds, would reduce risk without sacrificing too much on returns.

Inflation and Retirement
Given that you aim to retire at 60, it's important to account for inflation. Your retirement corpus needs to be sufficient to maintain your lifestyle in the face of rising prices.

Consider the following:

Increase your SIP contributions periodically to combat inflation.
Keep some portion of your retirement portfolio in growth-oriented funds even post-retirement to counter inflation.
Emergency Fund and Insurance
Since your focus is on retirement, ensure you have an adequate emergency fund. This will protect your investments from any unexpected expenses and avoid unnecessary withdrawals. A general guideline is to have 6-12 months of expenses in liquid assets or savings accounts.

Also, check your insurance coverage. If you don’t have a pure term insurance plan, it's advisable to get one to protect your family from any unforeseen financial burdens. Health insurance is equally crucial to avoid dipping into your retirement funds during medical emergencies.

Final Insights
Your current SIP portfolio is well-rounded and has a mix of stability and growth potential. However, it’s important to:

Reassess your Nifty 50 fund and consider shifting towards actively managed large-cap funds.
Regularly review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner to adjust your allocations based on market conditions and your retirement goals.
Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund and the necessary insurance coverage to safeguard your retirement savings.
Remember, consistency and periodic reviews will ensure you meet your retirement goals effectively while minimizing risks.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Latest Questions
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7215 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 07, 2024

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I am 65 year age retired and have no pension. I have made investment in few govt schemes and get some regular income by way of interest but due to inflation and low interest rates scenario emerging pl suggest basket of investment to get regular monthly income of Rs 50000 . I have handsome amount in ppf account which is about to mature
Ans: Your situation reflects prudent planning with investments in government schemes and a maturing PPF. However, inflation and low interest rates demand a diversified strategy for consistent and inflation-adjusted income.

Steps to Achieve Rs. 50,000 Monthly Income
1. Reassess Your Current Investments

Evaluate the performance of your government schemes and compare their returns.
Retain investments offering guaranteed and steady income, like Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) or Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS).
Redeploy funds from low-yield investments to more productive avenues.
2. Utilise the Maturing PPF

PPF offers tax-free corpus. Use this to create a diversified portfolio for stable income and growth.
Split the PPF corpus into equity mutual funds and safer debt instruments.
3. Diversify with Debt and Hybrid Funds

Invest in conservative hybrid funds to generate regular income and protect capital.
Include short-term and medium-term debt funds for steady returns, which are higher than fixed deposits.
4. Set Up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

Use equity or hybrid mutual funds to set up SWPs.
An SWP ensures a steady monthly income while your capital continues to grow.
5. Consider Dividend-Yielding Funds

Dividend-paying mutual funds offer periodic cash flow and potential for capital appreciation.
6. Fixed Income Instruments for Safety

SCSS: Offers assured returns and is tailor-made for senior citizens. Invest up to Rs. 30 lakh as a couple.
POMIS: Provides reliable income for smaller investments.
7. Include Tax-Free Bonds

Invest in high-quality tax-free bonds for steady, tax-efficient interest.
Creating the Income Plan
To achieve Rs. 50,000 per month:

Allocate a portion of funds to safer options like SCSS, POMIS, and tax-free bonds for stability.
Use equity and hybrid funds for growth and inflation protection.
Combine these with SWPs for regular income.
Tax Planning
Interest from SCSS and POMIS is taxable, so invest carefully.
Equity mutual funds have tax-efficient withdrawal options.
Debt funds offer indexation benefits for long-term investments.
Emergency and Health Fund
Keep at least 12 months of expenses in a liquid fund for emergencies.
Maintain your health insurance to handle rising medical costs.
Final Insight

A mix of secure instruments, mutual funds, and systematic withdrawals can comfortably generate Rs. 50,000 monthly income. Periodically review your plan with a Certified Financial Planner to adapt to changing needs and market conditions.

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

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 07, 2024

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What should be the corpus one should have in order to get 150000 per month post retirement ??
Ans: To determine the required corpus, let’s address key factors like expenses, inflation, withdrawal strategy, and longevity. A comprehensive plan ensures sustainability.

Factors Influencing Corpus
Monthly Income Requirement
Rs. 1,50,000 per month translates to Rs. 18,00,000 annually.

Inflation Impact
With an average inflation rate of 6%, future expenses will significantly increase.

Withdrawal Rate
A safe withdrawal rate is typically 3-4% per year. This ensures the corpus lasts throughout retirement.

Post-Retirement Investment Returns
Assume a conservative return of 7% from a balanced portfolio after retirement.

Longevity
Plan for a 30-35 year retirement horizon to ensure financial independence.

Calculating the Corpus
Using a 4% withdrawal rate, the corpus should be:
Rs. 18,00,000 ÷ 4% = Rs. 4.5 crore.

Adjust for Inflation:
If retirement is 10 years away and inflation is 6%, you’ll need about Rs. 8 crore to maintain the same lifestyle.

Steps to Build This Corpus
Increase Equity Exposure Now
High-growth equity funds can accelerate wealth accumulation during the pre-retirement phase.

Gradual Shift to Conservative Assets
Transition to hybrid or debt funds five years before retirement to protect the corpus from market volatility.

Systematic Withdrawals
Post-retirement, use SWPs in mutual funds to create a steady monthly income of Rs. 1,50,000.

Health and Emergency Funds
Maintain a separate contingency fund to handle medical emergencies and other unexpected costs.

Tax Implications
Equity Fund Withdrawals:
LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Debt Fund Withdrawals:
Taxed as per your income slab.

Plan withdrawals tax-efficiently to optimise cash flow.

Final Insight

With proper planning, achieving a corpus of Rs. 8 crore is feasible for a comfortable retirement. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your investments and roadmap.

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

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Hi, I have been an introvert guy for my whole life, but somehow I always got good colleagues which became great friends. But from last 5 years I am in a office where very few people works and that too they are not connected to me. Hence, I get a very little exposer with them. Feels so much lonely in office as there is not a lot of workload also. Most of my day goes watching reels on social media. Sometimes i forgot when last i smiled/laughed at office place where I spends 9 hours of my day (I do talk to my family over phone, but can't help my loneliness). what can I do....worried... A very lonely 45 year male.....
Ans: Dear Sunil,

No one is clear cut introvert or an extrovert, look at yourself closely too... in some circumstances you behave like an extrovert and some areas you behave like an introvert.

Be brave and say "hi" to people around you in the office, you be the first one to greet, this itself can be a starting point to making new friends. A smile and a pleasant "hi" is all it takes.
Look for opportunities to connect with ppl in the office, instead of sending mails or reminders to ppl electronically, just walk up to them and speak to them or call them up to say you have sent a mail/reminder. This way you can establish a human connect.
Also check if you can go to the dining area to eat lunch and during breaks.. do not sit at your desk and have lunch.
Social media and watching reels is a "big no" if you are yearning for human connections. I am glad you talk to your family...outside the office, join book clubs, singing clubs, drama clubs or anywhere your interest lies...you can join a classroom to learn and develop a new skill....

Also check if you are getting enough sleep, exercise, fresh air , sunshine during the day....focus on your diet too!!

Hope this helps... take care of yourself!

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Archana Deshpande  |86 Answers  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Dec 07, 2024

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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