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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on May 30, 2022

Mutual Fund Expert... more
Satti Question by Satti on May 30, 2022Hindi
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Sir, I am 28 and unmarried. I would like to invest 15,000/-per month as SIP in mutual funds for the following goals:

1. Emergency fund
2. Children’s education
3. Chindren’s Marriage
4. Retirement goal

I will increase SIP on yearly basis. Please suggest best mutual funds for long term basis.

Ans: You may consider these funds:

  • Axis Esg Equity Fund - Growth
  • Uti Flexi Cap Fund -growth
  • Samco Flexi Cap Fund - Growth
  • Hdfc Index Fund - Sensex Plan - Growth
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  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 04, 2024Hindi
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Hello Dev I am 22 years old. I want to invest 25k monthly in SIP. Could you suggest me some mutual funds for investing. Risk appetite: moderately agressive. No specific reason for investment.
Ans: It's fantastic to see your proactive approach to investing at such a young age. Let's explore suitable mutual funds for your monthly SIP investment of 25k:

Considering your moderately aggressive risk appetite, we'll focus on funds with a blend of growth potential and risk management.

Diversification is key to managing risk in your investment portfolio. We'll spread your investments across different asset classes and investment styles.

Equity funds offer the potential for high returns over the long term, but they come with higher volatility. We'll allocate a portion of your SIP towards diversified equity funds to capture growth opportunities.

To mitigate risk, we'll also consider allocating a portion of your SIP towards balanced funds or aggressive hybrid funds. These funds invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments, providing a balance between growth and stability.

Regular review and monitoring of your investment portfolio are essential to ensure it remains aligned with your risk tolerance and investment goals.

Keep in mind that investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay disciplined and patient, especially during market fluctuations.

Remember to review your investment strategy periodically and make adjustments as needed based on changing market conditions or personal circumstances.

In conclusion, by investing in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds, you can potentially achieve your long-term financial goals while managing risk effectively.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 15, 2024

Money
Hi I am 35 years old , I want invest 7500 monthly SIP in mutual funds pls suggest me the right mutual funds for long term investment.
Ans: At 35 years old, it’s essential to plan investments with a long-term focus. Investing Rs. 7,500 per month in mutual funds through SIP for the long term can help you build significant wealth over time. Your goal should determine how you allocate these funds among different categories of mutual funds.

Key points to consider:

How long do you want to invest?
What is your risk tolerance?
What are your future financial needs, such as retirement, children’s education, or any other goals?
Since you’re considering long-term investment, a mix of equity mutual funds with good growth potential would be the ideal choice. Equity funds have shown the ability to outperform other asset classes over a longer duration.

Let’s explore how you can achieve this with mutual funds.

Understanding the Importance of Diversification

Diversification is the key to a well-rounded investment strategy. For your Rs. 7,500 SIP, dividing your investments across different types of mutual funds is essential to minimize risk while maximizing returns.

Here’s how diversification can help:

Equity funds provide higher returns over the long term but come with higher risk.

Debt funds offer stability and lower risk but might give comparatively lower returns.

For a long-term SIP, focusing on equity funds can offer you the growth needed, but you can also add some debt funds for stability.

Opting for Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed mutual funds allow a professional fund manager to pick stocks and assets that can outperform the market. The goal of actively managed funds is to earn higher returns than an index. Unlike index funds that follow a specific benchmark, actively managed funds can adjust the portfolio depending on market conditions. This makes them better suited for long-term growth when compared to index funds.

Why should you prefer actively managed funds over index funds?

Higher potential returns: Fund managers can pick promising stocks.
Flexibility: They can adjust to market changes faster.
Active risk management: Professional fund managers manage risks actively.
Investing in regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures you get personalized advice. You also benefit from professional expertise, and regular funds give you access to this expertise, which is essential for long-term success.

Allocation Strategy Based on Your Risk Appetite

When investing for the long term, balancing risk and reward is critical. Here’s a strategy to allocate your Rs. 7,500 monthly SIP:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in well-established companies with a strong market presence. They provide stability and consistent growth over time. A large portion of your SIP, say Rs. 3,000, can go into these funds for a solid foundation.

Mid-Cap Funds: These funds invest in medium-sized companies that have growth potential. These companies are riskier than large-cap companies, but the returns can be higher. You can allocate Rs. 2,000 to mid-cap funds to add growth potential.

Small-Cap Funds: Small-cap companies can offer very high returns but are volatile and come with higher risk. Allocating Rs. 1,000 to small-cap funds can provide a high-growth kicker.

Flexi-Cap Funds: These funds invest in companies of all sizes based on market conditions, making them more versatile. You can allocate Rs. 1,500 to flexi-cap funds for flexibility and a diversified approach.

This approach ensures your investment is spread across various sectors and sizes of companies. It balances risk and reward while aiming for long-term growth.

Why You Should Avoid Index Funds

Index funds may seem appealing because of their low cost, but they come with limitations. Index funds passively track a benchmark like the Nifty 50 or Sensex. As a result, they do not aim to beat the market, only match its performance.

Disadvantages of index funds:

Lack of flexibility: They can’t adjust to market changes.
Lower potential returns: Over the long term, actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds.
No risk management: Index funds don’t adjust to market downturns, so during market corrections, they might underperform.
Given your long-term horizon, actively managed funds are better suited because they provide more opportunities for superior returns.

Benefits of Regular Funds over Direct Funds

Some investors prefer direct funds for lower expense ratios. However, investing through a regular plan with the help of a CFP offers significant benefits. A CFP ensures that your investments align with your long-term financial goals and risk profile.

Benefits of regular funds:

Expert guidance: Investing through a CFP ensures you have professional advice.
Timely rebalancing: A CFP can help with portfolio rebalancing as market conditions change.
Regular monitoring: You get periodic reviews of your portfolio.
Personalized advice: Investments are chosen based on your specific needs.
While direct funds may have lower costs, the added value you receive from professional management far outweighs this small expense.

Why Avoid ULIPs and Investment-Linked Insurance

While you may hear about market-linked insurance products such as ULIPs, they are not ideal for long-term wealth creation. The costs involved are much higher compared to mutual funds. ULIPs combine insurance with investment, which means you pay for both, often leading to lower returns. Mutual funds are a better vehicle for wealth creation over 25 years.

Disadvantages of ULIPs:

High charges: ULIPs have higher fees, reducing overall returns.
Lock-in period: You are locked into the policy for at least 5 years.
Lower flexibility: You don’t have the freedom to switch easily between investment options.
Taxation on Mutual Funds

It's essential to understand the tax implications of mutual funds.

For equity mutual funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) are taxed at 12.5% if your gains exceed Rs. 1.25 lakh in a financial year. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20% if you sell within one year.

For debt mutual funds, both LTCG and STCG are taxed according to your income tax slab. This makes debt funds slightly less tax-efficient compared to equity mutual funds.

Knowing these tax rules helps you plan your withdrawals effectively, especially when you have built up a significant corpus over time.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) for Discipline

SIP is an excellent way to build wealth over time. By investing Rs. 7,500 every month, you are using the power of compounding to grow your wealth. SIPs help in:

Averaging market volatility: You buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high.

Creating discipline: SIPs ensure regular investment without needing to time the market.

Long-term growth: Compounding over time can turn small monthly investments into a significant corpus.

Regular Review of Investments

Reviewing your investments regularly ensures they align with your changing financial goals. Every 6 months to a year, sit with your CFP to assess your portfolio's performance. Based on market conditions and your evolving needs, adjustments can be made to enhance returns or manage risks.

Key points for a review:

Rebalancing: Ensure that the asset allocation matches your original plan.

Performance tracking: Evaluate if any fund underperforms and needs replacement.

Future needs: Align your portfolio with upcoming financial goals, such as buying a home or retirement planning.

Finally

At 35, you have the advantage of a long investment horizon, which can significantly increase your wealth through mutual funds. By sticking to a disciplined approach and using SIPs, you can maximize your returns. Focus on actively managed funds for their higher potential and flexibility. Avoid ULIPs, annuities, and index funds for your long-term goals.

Also, remember the importance of reviewing your portfolio regularly and maintaining diversification. This will give you the best chance of achieving a substantial corpus.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 08, 2025

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I am 51 years want to park 10 L recieved from LIC. I have Nippon liquid and Axis Short term funds. Where should I keep this,in these debt fund or some other for max return and least risk . Or some balanced advantage funds?
Ans: Since you're 51 years old and the Rs. 10L is from an LIC maturity, I’ll assess this from a 360-degree perspective with low risk and reasonable return focus.

Let us structure this under simple and clear headings:

Understand the Nature of the Rs. 10L
This is a one-time amount, not a regular income.

So, capital protection is important.

Also, some growth is expected, but not with high risk.

Evaluate Your Existing Funds
Nippon Liquid Fund is very low risk.

Good for short-term parking, like few months.

Returns are around 5.5% to 6% yearly.

You can use it if you need money anytime soon.

Axis Short Term Fund is slightly better return.

Slightly higher risk than liquid fund, but still low.

Returns can be around 6% to 7% yearly.

Suitable if you are okay to stay invested for 2-3 years.

Should You Switch to a Balanced Advantage Fund?
These funds invest in both equity and debt.

They adjust the mix based on market conditions.

They give better return than debt if held for 3-5 years.

But, they carry moderate market risk.

Return range can be 8% to 10% per annum.

Not guaranteed, but historically stable.

Suitable if your risk tolerance is moderate.

Also, you must stay invested for at least 3 years.

What You Can Do Now (Allocation Suggestion)
Here is a simple, low-risk and flexible suggestion:

Rs. 2L in Nippon Liquid Fund: For immediate needs.

Rs. 4L in Axis Short Term Fund: Safe with better return.

Rs. 4L in Balanced Advantage Fund (via MFD with CFP): For better growth.

Choose an actively managed regular plan.

Avoid direct plan. They lack support and monitoring.

Regular plans offer advisor support and rebalancing guidance.

Why Not Direct Plan?
Direct plans look cheaper.

But they don’t guide you during market falls.

Many investors panic and exit early.

This leads to poor returns.

With MFD + CFP support, you stay invested longer.

Long-term behaviour matters more than cost.

Why Not Index Funds?
Index funds blindly follow the market.

No protection during market fall.

No fund manager to adjust strategy.

Active large-cap or balanced funds adapt better.

At your age, protection is more important than chasing index.

Important Tax Point
Debt funds and balanced advantage funds are taxed as per income tax slab.

If you hold for 3+ years, tax is less due to indexation benefit in earlier rules.

But now, for debt funds, tax is same as your slab.

So, choose based on your tax slab also.

But do not let tax alone decide. Safety is first.

Final Insights
Your Rs. 10L should grow slowly and stay safe.

Split into 3 buckets: short-term, mid-term, and medium-risk.

Liquid fund for liquidity.

Short-term debt for capital stability.

Balanced advantage for gentle growth.

This mix gives you flexibility, return and low risk.

Please review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

He/she will help you shift the mix if your goal or market changes.

No need to chase high returns. Protect capital, grow steadily.

You already took a right step by asking before investing.

That clarity helps avoid mistakes.

With this structure, your money can stay safe and still grow.

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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