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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8119 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 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 - May 09, 2024Hindi
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I am 27 Years old and work in an IT company. My monthly salary is 1 lakh. I have a LIC where I contribute Rs 20000 each month. I also have 2 Mutual funds SIPs where I contribute Rs 10,000/month combined. For rent and household requirements I spend Rs 25000-30000 each month. I send Rs 15000/month to home. I am unmarried and don't have any other big regular spendings. How can I improve my investments and grow my money?

Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach towards financial planning at such a young age. With a solid foundation already in place, let's explore ways to optimize your investments and maximize your wealth growth.

Review Your Investment Portfolio:

Evaluate the performance of your existing investments, including LIC and Mutual Fund SIPs.
Consider diversifying your portfolio to spread risk and potentially enhance returns. Explore other investment avenues such as stocks, bonds, real estate (if feasible), or alternative investments like P2P lending or gold.
Increase Investment Allocation:

With a monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh and relatively low monthly expenses, you have a significant portion of your income available for investments.
Consider increasing your monthly contributions to your existing SIPs or starting new SIPs in diversified mutual funds to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Emergency Fund:

Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to at least 3-6 months of your living expenses. This fund should be readily accessible in case of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.
Tax Planning:

Explore tax-saving investment options such as Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension System (NPS), or tax-saving fixed deposits to optimize tax efficiency and maximize savings.
Retirement Planning:

Start planning for your retirement early to benefit from the power of compounding. Consider investing in long-term retirement-focused investment vehicles like EPF, PPF, NPS, or diversified equity mutual funds.
Seek Professional Advice:

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized guidance based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
A CFP can help you create a comprehensive financial plan, identify investment opportunities, and monitor your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.
By taking a holistic approach to financial planning, continuously learning about investment opportunities, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can enhance your investments and achieve your long-term financial goals.

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  |8119 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 22, 2024

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I am having 46lakh mutual fund and monthly investment is 22k, I wanted 2cr in next 3year. What else I can do to achive that also I have share of 13lakh. And running two home loan one is 25lakh and another is 48lakh
Ans: Current Financial Position
Mutual Fund Investments: Rs 46 lakh
Monthly Investment: Rs 22,000
Share Investments: Rs 13 lakh
Home Loans: Rs 25 lakh and Rs 48 lakh
You aim to accumulate Rs 2 crore in 3 years.

Let's analyze and suggest a strategy to achieve this goal.

Assessing the Goal
Aggressive Goal
Your goal is ambitious. Achieving Rs 2 crore in 3 years will require a high growth rate.

Current Investments
You are investing in mutual funds and shares. This is good but may not be sufficient for your goal.

Investment Strategy
Increase Monthly Investments
Consider increasing your monthly investment. Even small increases can significantly impact over time.

Focus on Equity Funds
Actively managed equity funds can offer high returns. Fund managers can outperform the market, unlike index funds.

Balanced Funds
Balanced funds provide a mix of equity and debt. This can offer stability and growth.

Avoid Index Funds
Index funds are passively managed. They cannot outperform the market. Actively managed funds, with professional oversight, aim to exceed market returns.

Avoid Direct Funds
Direct funds might have lower fees. But investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential can provide professional guidance. This can lead to better fund selection and higher returns.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Set up SIPs for regular investments. SIPs help in averaging out market volatility. They ensure disciplined and consistent investing.

Debt Management
Home Loans
You have two home loans. Consider refinancing to reduce interest rates. Pay extra towards higher interest loan if possible.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund. This should cover at least 6 months of expenses. It's essential for financial security and to avoid liquidating investments prematurely.

Diversification and Regular Review
Diversify Portfolio
Diversify your portfolio across different asset classes. This reduces risk and increases potential returns.

Regular Review
Review your portfolio regularly. Make adjustments based on market conditions and your goals.

Seek Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice. They can help design a strategy tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Final Insights
Achieving Rs 2 crore in 3 years is challenging but possible.

Increase your monthly investments and focus on equity and balanced funds. Avoid index and direct funds for better returns.

Maintain an emergency fund and consider SIPs. Manage your home loans wisely. Seek professional guidance for a well-rounded investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8119 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
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Hi I am 30 yo and working in public sector bank, have 3 lakh in MUTUAL FUND, 3 LAKH IN PPF, 2 LAKH IN FD. MONTHLY INCOME (NET) 80K EXPENSES 40K (INCLUSIVE LOAN REPAYMENT AND SIP) I want to grow my money Pls guide and suggest
Ans: Financial Health Assessment
You are saving 50% of your income. This is excellent.

You have a good mix of mutual funds, PPF, and FD.

Your expenses, including loan repayment and SIPs, are well managed.

You have no mention of insurance. Protection is as important as growth.

Strengthening Your Financial Foundation
Emergency Fund
You need at least 6 months of expenses in a liquid asset.

Your FD can act as an emergency fund. Keep Rs 2 lakh in FD.

Future excess cash should go to a liquid mutual fund for better returns.

Health and Life Insurance
Buy term insurance equal to 10-15 times your annual income.

Choose a separate health insurance policy apart from your employer cover.

If married or planning a family, include spouse and children.

Maximising Your Investments
Mutual Funds
Increase SIPs as your income grows.

Choose actively managed equity mutual funds. They can beat inflation and build wealth.

Invest via an MFD with CFP credentials for guidance.

PPF Strategy
PPF is good for safety but has a 15-year lock-in.

Continue investing but do not put all your surplus here.

Focus more on equity mutual funds for wealth creation.

Fixed Deposit Strategy
FDs give low returns. Keep only for emergency purposes.

Avoid investing surplus in FDs.

Optimising Your Loan Repayment
You mentioned loan repayment but not the outstanding loan amount.

If interest is high (above 9%), prioritise early repayment.

If interest is low (below 7%), continue EMIs and invest excess in mutual funds.

Increasing Wealth Over the Next 10 Years
Investment Priorities
Increase SIPs every year by at least 10%.

Invest lump sum amounts when you receive bonuses.

Avoid frequent withdrawals from investments.

Tax Efficiency
Use Section 80C (Rs 1.5 lakh limit) with PPF, ELSS, and EPF.

Check if you can save more tax under Section 80D for medical insurance.

Wealth Creation Strategy
Follow asset allocation: 70% equity, 20% debt, 10% liquid.

Review your investments yearly.

Avoid unnecessary insurance policies with investment components.

Final Insights
Your financial habits are strong. Stay consistent.

Increase equity exposure for higher long-term returns.

Keep reviewing and adjusting your strategy yearly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8119 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
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I am 38 years old, female, married, with annual salary of 11 LPA. I am currently investing 6K monthly in LIC and SIP. I have PF of Rs 8 lakh and a home loan of 60 lakh for a 1 cr flat. My monthly home loan EMI is 53K. How can I improve my investments to retire at 58 with good savings?
Ans: Your financial situation is good. You have a stable income and a home. But your current investments are low for early retirement. You need to plan strategically.

Assessing Your Current Financial Position
Your annual salary is Rs. 11 lakh. This gives good saving potential.

Your home loan is Rs. 60 lakh. EMI is Rs. 53,000 per month.

Your PF balance is Rs. 8 lakh. This will grow but may not be enough.

Your monthly investment is only Rs. 6,000. This is too low for your goal.

You own a Rs. 1 crore flat. But real estate is not a liquid asset.

A strong financial plan is needed. Let’s look at the key areas.

Loan Repayment Strategy
Your EMI is high. It takes a big part of your salary.

Focus on prepaying the loan. This will reduce interest cost.

Try to make one extra EMI payment every year.

Any bonus or salary hike should go towards prepayment.

A shorter loan tenure means more savings in the long run.

Increasing Investments
Rs. 6,000 per month is not enough. You need to invest more.

Aim to invest at least 25-30% of your salary.

Increase SIP amount whenever you get a salary hike.

Consider actively managed mutual funds for better returns.

Keep a good balance between equity and debt investments.

Retirement Planning Strategy
You have 20 years before retirement. This is a good time frame.

A well-diversified portfolio will help you reach your goal.

Regularly review and adjust your investments as needed.

Inflation will increase expenses. Plan for higher withdrawals later.

Keep a retirement health fund separately. Medical costs will rise.

LIC Policy Assessment
LIC policies have low returns. They may not be the best investment.

Check if surrendering and shifting to mutual funds is beneficial.

Term insurance is better for life coverage than traditional LIC plans.

Investment and insurance should not be mixed.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Keep at least 6 months of expenses in an emergency fund.

Ensure you have adequate health insurance.

A separate term life cover is important if you have dependents.

Final Insights
You need to increase investments significantly.

Loan prepayment will help reduce financial burden.

Actively managed mutual funds can grow your wealth better.

Inflation and medical costs must be planned for.

A structured financial plan will help you retire comfortably.

With the right strategy, early retirement is possible. Stay disciplined and review your plan regularly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8119 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 21, 2025

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Hello sir, I have recently sold my flat and I have 55 lacs with me which I can park for next 12-15 years. Please suggest the avenues where I can get maximum wealth creation. I am 42 and and you can consider me moderate to aggressive investor. How much can be the realistic returns from PMS considering they charge high fees. Does PMS give more returns than MFs in 10 year horizon. Please suggest.
Ans: You have Rs. 55L available for long-term investment. Your focus is wealth creation with a moderate to aggressive approach. Let’s evaluate the best options.

Investment Avenues for Maximum Wealth Creation
1. Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Suitable for your risk appetite and time horizon.
Managed by experts who adjust portfolios based on market conditions.
Potential to outperform passive funds and PMS on a risk-adjusted basis.
Lower fees than PMS, ensuring better net returns.
Recommended approach: SIP + staggered lump sum deployment.
2. Portfolio Management Services (PMS)
Designed for high-net-worth individuals.
PMS offers customized stock selection with direct equity ownership.
Higher fees (fixed + performance-based) impact net returns.
Returns may be volatile, with no guarantee of outperformance over mutual funds.
Requires a longer commitment with limited liquidity.
3. Thematic and Sectoral Investments
Can boost returns but require careful selection.
Higher volatility compared to diversified funds.
Suitable for a portion of the portfolio (not more than 10-15%).
4. Gold ETFs or Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)
Good for diversification but not ideal for aggressive growth.
SGBs provide 2.5% annual interest along with capital appreciation.
Should not exceed 5-10% of the portfolio.
5. International Equity Exposure
Helps in diversification and hedging against rupee depreciation.
Invest via actively managed international mutual funds.
Avoid direct stocks unless you track global markets actively.
Mutual Funds vs. PMS: A 10-Year Perspective
Returns Comparison
PMS may deliver superior returns if the fund manager picks outperforming stocks.
Actively managed mutual funds historically deliver 12-16% CAGR over 10-15 years.
PMS fees reduce effective returns, making them less attractive unless they significantly outperform.
Risk and Liquidity
Mutual funds provide easy liquidity.
PMS has lock-in periods and exit loads, making it less flexible.
Market risks exist in both, but mutual funds have regulatory oversight.
Tax Implications and Cost Analysis
Mutual funds have lower tax burdens with systematic withdrawals.
PMS taxation is like direct stocks, requiring individual filing for capital gains.
PMS charges (fixed + performance-based) can eat into returns.
Optimized Investment Strategy
Deploy Rs. 55L in a staggered manner over 12-18 months.
Allocate across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and thematic funds.
Consider a 10-15% PMS allocation only if comfortable with higher risk.
Use SWP after 12-15 years for tax-efficient withdrawals.
Final Insights
Mutual funds remain the best option for wealth creation with flexibility.
PMS can work if you accept higher costs and volatility.
Diversify with a structured approach for long-term success.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1006 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Mar 21, 2025

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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