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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 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
Nagendra Question by Nagendra on May 09, 2024Hindi
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I am 27 years old .i want to have retirement corpus of 3 crore at age of 50. I can invest 25000 monthly. Suggest me some sip to invest in for span of 20 years with bit of low to moderate risk ? Thank u advance

Ans: Starting your retirement planning at 27 with a goal of Rs. 3 crore at 50 is fantastic! A monthly SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) of Rs. 25,000 for 23 years is a great way to grow your corpus. Let's explore some SIP options that can help you reach your target.

Low to Moderate Risk Strategy

Considering your 23-year investment horizon, a low to moderate risk strategy allows for some growth potential while managing risk. Here are some options to consider:

Diversified Equity Funds: Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. This offers diversification and growth potential, with larger companies balancing the risk of smaller ones.
Flexi-Cap Funds: These funds can invest across market capitalizations, offering flexibility to the fund manager. This can help capture growth opportunities in different market segments.
Advantages of Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):

Personalized Advice: MFDs can be helpful for beginners or those who lack investment knowledge. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend suitable mutual funds. This personalized guidance can be valuable, especially if you're new to investing.
Convenience: MFDs handle all the paperwork and transactions on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can help with account setup, SIP registrations, and managing your portfolio across different funds.
Investor Support: MFDs can be a point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your investments. They can provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your investment journey.
Benefits of a CFP Professional

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can provide a personalized plan. They can help you:

Calculate Retirement Corpus: Determine the exact investment amount needed based on your desired retirement lifestyle.
Choose Right SIPs: Select a diversified portfolio of actively managed SIPs that aligns with your risk tolerance and goals.
Review & Rebalance: Regularly monitor your portfolio performance and rebalance periodically to maintain your asset allocation.
Remember:

Market fluctuations can impact your returns. However, starting early, investing regularly, and choosing a low to moderate risk strategy are all positive steps towards your Rs. 3 crore goal.

Next Steps:

Consider consulting a CFP professional for a detailed plan.
They can assess your risk profile and suggest suitable SIP options.
Be patient and disciplined with your investments.
Starting early gives your money time to grow through the power of compounding!

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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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 29, 2023

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My Age is 43. my monthly salary is 60K. I am willing to start SIP from Jan-2024. I have a home loan of 20 Lakhs for 20 yrs and have been paying since 2021@ interest rate of 9.15. Other investments are 4 LIC perimium of 1.25 Lakhs annually. I want to invest 10K monthly in best SIP for next 15-20 yrs. Kindly suggest best SIP funds that I can invest to secure my my retirement and family in future. Thank you.
Ans: Selecting a mutual fund for your investment should depend on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Since you're 43 years old, it's crucial to consider factors like how soon you need the money and how comfortable you are with risk. Here are some suggestions for mutual funds to consider, but please consult with a financial advisor for personalized advice:


Diversified Equity Funds: Since you have a longer investment horizon (5+ years) and if you can tolerate moderate risk, consider diversified equity funds. These funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. Examples include SBI Bluechip Fund,Kotak Flexi Cap Fund,TATA Large & Mid Cap

Balanced Funds: These funds invest in a mix of stocks and bonds, which can provide more stability. They are suitable if you have a moderate risk tolerance and a medium-term investment horizon. HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund and ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund are some options.

Debt Funds and Fixed Rate Instruments: If you're risk-averse and need a regular income stream, debt mutual funds could be appropriate. Also, you can consider other fixed rate instruments like Corporate FDs, Private Bonds, P2P Investments, G-Sec Bonds etc as lucrative interest rate scenario prevailing in economy and its good time to lock the money in high yielding debt products.

Index Funds: If you prefer a passive approach to investing, index funds could be a good fit. They aim to replicate the performance of a specific index like the Nifty 50 or Sensex. UTI Nifty Index Fund and HDFC Index Fund - Nifty 50 Plan are examples.

Diversify your investments across a range of asset classes and different investment avenues as stated above to avoid concertation risk and putting all your eggs in one basket.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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Hi I’m 23 years old and I want to invest 5k per month in Sip for at least 20 years. Can you please suggest some sip's?
Ans: Kickstarting Your Investment Journey at 23: A Smart Move!
Investing ?5,000 per month through SIPs for 20 years is a fantastic decision at your young age! Here are some ideas for potential SIP investments, but remember, this is not financial advice:

Building a Diversified Portfolio:

Equity Funds: Consider investing a portion in equity funds that offer growth potential over the long term. Actively managed equity funds involve experienced fund managers who try to pick stocks to outperform the market. Actively managed funds come with higher fees compared to passively managed funds. You can explore Large-cap, Mid-cap, or Flexi-cap funds based on your risk tolerance.

Debt Funds: Invest a portion in debt funds for stability and to balance your portfolio's risk profile. Debt funds can provide regular income and help manage volatility.

Here's a Sample SIP Allocation (you can adjust based on risk tolerance):

60%: Large-cap or Multi-cap Actively Managed Equity Funds for long-term growth.

20%: Mid-cap Actively Managed Equity Funds for potentially higher growth (with higher risk).

20%: Debt Funds (short/medium/long-term) for stability and income generation.

Important to Remember:

Do Your Research: Research actively managed funds and choose those with a good track record and a reputable fund house.

Review Regularly: Review your SIPs at least annually to ensure they remain aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.

Seeking Professional Guidance:

Personalized Plan: A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can create a personalized SIP plan considering your risk tolerance, investment goals, and future needs. They can suggest specific actively managed funds based on your risk profile.
By starting early, staying invested for the long term, and potentially consulting a CFP, you can be on track to achieving your financial goals!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 16, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I am 44 year old & want to invest in SIP @ amount Rs.5000/- per month for 15 yrs. Please suggest some SIP which is good for long term return.
Ans: Investing in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a wise decision for securing your financial future. At 44 years old, you have a 15-year horizon for your SIP investment of Rs. 5000 per month. This long-term approach can yield significant returns due to the power of compounding. Let's explore how you can optimize your SIP investment strategy.

Genuine Compliments and Understanding
Your decision to invest regularly and plan for the long-term is commendable. It's never too late to start, and your foresight will benefit you greatly in the years to come.

Understanding SIPs and Their Benefits
What is a SIP?
A SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in a mutual fund scheme. This methodical investment helps in building wealth over time without the stress of market volatility.

Benefits of SIPs
Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs reduce the risk of market volatility by averaging the cost of your investments over time.
Power of Compounding: Regular investments grow exponentially due to compounding, especially over a long period.
Financial Discipline: SIPs inculcate a habit of regular saving and investing.
Evaluating Your Financial Goals
Long-Term Goals
Your primary goal is to achieve a substantial corpus after 15 years. This corpus can serve various purposes such as retirement, children's education, or other financial aspirations.

Selecting the Right Mutual Funds for SIP
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds are suitable for long-term investments due to their potential for higher returns. These funds invest in stocks of companies, aiming for capital appreciation.

Types of Equity Funds
Large-Cap Funds: Invest in large, established companies with a stable performance history.
Mid-Cap Funds: Invest in medium-sized companies with high growth potential but slightly higher risk.
Small-Cap Funds: Invest in smaller companies that can offer high returns but come with higher risk.
Multi-Cap Funds: Invest in companies of all sizes, providing a balanced approach to risk and return.
Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds track a specific index and offer average returns matching the index performance. They lack the flexibility to adapt to market changes.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, guided by professional fund managers, aim to outperform the market. Fund managers make strategic decisions based on market analysis, potentially offering higher returns.

Importance of Professional Guidance
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. They help in selecting the right mix of funds to optimize your investment portfolio.

Diversification for Risk Management
Diversified Portfolio
Diversifying your investments across various types of equity funds mitigates risk. A well-diversified portfolio balances potential high returns with the stability of safer investments.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for Future Stability
As you approach your financial goals, consider a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) to withdraw your investments in a structured manner. This ensures a steady income stream without depleting your corpus rapidly.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Investment
Regular Review
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Market conditions and personal financial situations change, and your investment strategy should adapt accordingly.

Rebalancing
Rebalance your portfolio if certain funds significantly outperform or underperform. This maintains the desired asset allocation and risk level.

Tax Efficiency
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning enhances your returns. Equity mutual funds held for more than a year qualify for long-term capital gains tax, which is lower than short-term gains tax.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Maintaining an Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This safeguards against unforeseen financial needs without disturbing your investments.

Adequate Insurance Coverage
Having adequate health and life insurance protects your financial plan. Insurance coverage ensures that unexpected medical expenses or unfortunate events do not derail your financial goals.

Conclusion
Your decision to invest Rs. 5000 per month in SIPs for 15 years is a strategic move towards financial security. By selecting the right equity mutual funds and diversifying your portfolio, you can achieve substantial returns. Regular monitoring, tax planning, and professional guidance will further enhance your investment strategy.

Your commitment to investing for the long-term is commendable. With careful planning and disciplined execution, you can achieve your financial aspirations and secure a stable future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1841 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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