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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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
P Question by P on May 16, 2024Hindi
Money

I am 29 years old. This is my current portfolio status. Please tell me how I can improve further. Started investing in 2018 now my it shows an XIRR of 20+%. I have written the current value of the fund and the monthly SIP amount. HDFC Midcap Opportunities fund: 7.8 L (SIP: 10k) HSBC Midcap: 1.3 L (SIP: 1k) Quant Midcap: 1.18 L (SIP: 6k) ICICI Multi Asset: 4.3 L Quant Smallcap: 3.2 L (SIP: 20k) Aditya Birla SL Flexicap: 2.6 L Quant Flexicap: 1 L (SIP: 6k) Parag Parikh flexicap: 0.87 L (SIP: 6k) ICICI India Opportunities: 2.53 L ICICI Innovation: 2.38 SBI Bluechip: 1.04 L (SIP: 1k) ICICI Floating interest: 1.03L Nippon India Small cap: 0.56L HDFC Corporate bond: 0.55 L Quant Overnight fund: 0.26 L Another 1.4-1.5 L across many funds that I had started but stopped as didn't like them. They all contain minor amounts that I will withdraw when I need.

Ans: Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
First of all, congratulations on achieving an impressive XIRR of over 20%! Your dedication to systematic investment planning (SIP) since 2018 is commendable. Let’s assess your current portfolio and suggest improvements for a balanced and growth-oriented strategy.

Diversification and Fund Allocation
Your portfolio consists of a mix of midcap, smallcap, flexicap, multi-asset, and bond funds. This shows a good understanding of diversification. However, there are some areas where you can optimize further:

Midcap Funds: Your major investments are in midcap funds, with significant contributions to HDFC Midcap Opportunities, HSBC Midcap, and Quant Midcap. This exposure is beneficial for growth, but ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance.

Smallcap Funds: Quant Smallcap and Nippon India Smallcap contribute to your portfolio's high-growth potential. However, smallcap funds are volatile, so keep an eye on performance and market conditions.

Flexicap Funds: Aditya Birla SL Flexicap, Quant Flexicap, and Parag Parikh Flexicap add flexibility and stability. Flexicap funds invest across market capitalizations, offering a balanced growth approach.

Multi-Asset and Bond Funds: ICICI Multi Asset and HDFC Corporate Bond provide stability and diversification across asset classes, reducing overall portfolio risk.

Suggested Improvements
Portfolio Streamlining
Consolidate Similar Funds: Having multiple funds in the same category can lead to redundancy. Consider consolidating your midcap and flexicap funds to a select few with consistent performance.

Review Underperforming Funds: The funds with minor amounts that you have stopped contributing to should be reviewed. If they continue to underperform, consider redeeming and reallocating these funds.

Balanced Allocation
Reduce Over-Exposure: Your portfolio is heavily tilted towards midcap and smallcap funds. While these offer high returns, they also come with high risk. Balance this with more large-cap funds for stability.

Increase Debt Allocation: Given the volatility of equity markets, a higher allocation to debt funds (like corporate bond funds or floating interest funds) can provide stability and regular income.

New Investment Strategies
Dynamic Asset Allocation Funds: These funds adjust the allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions, offering a balanced risk-return profile.

Hybrid Funds: Consider investing in balanced hybrid funds, which invest in a mix of equity and debt. These funds can provide growth potential with reduced volatility.

Reviewing and Rebalancing
Regular Portfolio Review: Schedule periodic reviews (at least semi-annually) to assess fund performance, market conditions, and alignment with your financial goals.

Rebalance Portfolio: Rebalancing ensures that your investment strategy remains aligned with your risk tolerance and market conditions. This might involve shifting from over-performing to under-performing assets.

Monitoring and Future Planning
Track Performance: Use investment tracking tools to monitor fund performance and make informed decisions.

Emergency Fund: Ensure you maintain an emergency fund equivalent to at least six months of expenses in a liquid or low-risk investment.

Long-Term Goals: Align your investment strategy with long-term goals like retirement, child’s education, and major purchases. Diversified and balanced investments will help achieve these goals.

Your disciplined approach to investing and maintaining a diverse portfolio is truly commendable. You have a strong foundation and a clear understanding of market dynamics, which is crucial for long-term success.

Conclusion
Your portfolio is well-structured but could benefit from slight adjustments for better risk management and optimization. Consolidate similar funds, rebalance your allocations, and consider adding dynamic asset allocation and hybrid funds. Regular reviews and strategic planning will ensure that your investments continue to grow effectively.

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 Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 30, 2024

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Sir, I am a 29 year old male and i am investing monthly 30k per month with 10% stepup every year for the next 25 years. This is my current portfolio : 1. 8k in Nippon nifty 500 momentum 50 index fund. 2. (7.4k) in Kotak nifty midcap 150 momentum 50 index fund. 3. (Rs.4,920) in Parag parik flexicap mutual fund. 4. (Rs.3630) in Kotak Nifty Next 50 kndex fund. 5. (Rs.3500) in Tata small cap fund. 6. (Rs.2550) in Mirae Assets nifty smallcap 250 momentum quality 100 index fund. Would please check my current portfolio and please suggest me to make any changes to the current portfolio. Thank you.
Ans: Your disciplined approach to investing is commendable. A 25-year horizon with step-up SIP ensures compounding benefits. Let us evaluate your portfolio and suggest improvements.

Strengths of Your Current Portfolio
1. Diverse Asset Allocation
Investments include large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexicap funds.
This creates exposure to varied market capitalisation for balanced growth.
2. Focus on Momentum Investing
Momentum funds aim to capitalise on high-performing stocks.
Your choices reflect a growth-oriented strategy.
3. Regular Contributions
Monthly SIPs ensure disciplined investing.
The 10% annual step-up aligns with inflation-adjusted wealth creation.
4. Long-Term Perspective
Your 25-year investment horizon maximises compounding.
Market volatility will average out over time.
Key Areas for Improvement
1. Over-Dependence on Index Funds
Your portfolio heavily favours index funds.
Index funds mimic benchmarks and lack flexibility during market downturns.
Actively managed funds, guided by experts, may offer better returns.
2. Small Allocation to Flexicap Fund
Flexicap funds adjust allocation across market caps for stability.
Increasing this allocation can provide balanced growth and reduce volatility.
3. Sector and Style Overlap
Momentum strategies dominate your portfolio.
Momentum funds may underperform during market corrections.
Diversify to include value-based or balanced funds.
4. Limited Small-Cap Allocation
Small-cap funds are vital for long-term growth but carry higher risks.
Ensure you don’t overallocate beyond risk tolerance.
Suggested Changes
1. Increase Actively Managed Funds
Include funds with a proven track record in various market cycles.
Focus on funds managed by experienced fund managers.
2. Rebalance Between Active and Passive Funds
Reduce exposure to passive index funds.
Add actively managed multicap or equity funds for consistent performance.
3. Reassess Momentum Fund Exposure
Consider limiting momentum fund investments to 30%-40% of your portfolio.
This balances growth potential with risk management.
4. Add Balanced Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt, ensuring stability in volatile markets.
Allocate 15%-20% of your portfolio to such funds.
5. Increase Flexicap Fund Allocation
Raise flexicap allocation to at least 25% of your portfolio.
This brings flexibility and adaptability to market trends.
6. Regular Portfolio Review
Review the portfolio annually for performance and alignment with goals.
Adjust based on changes in financial goals or market dynamics.
Taxation Insights
1. Capital Gains Taxation
Equity fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG is taxed at 20%.
2. Minimise Tax Impact
Hold equity funds for at least one year to avoid higher STCG rates.
Use tax-loss harvesting to offset gains.
Final Insights
Your portfolio is structured well for long-term growth. However, reducing reliance on passive funds and adding diversification can optimise returns. A balanced allocation to active, hybrid, and flexicap funds will ensure stability and growth. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio for continued success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 22, 2025Hindi
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I’m 36M, I met a girl in my office, who works in the same department. It was love at first site for me, but I was scared to tell her that. As time passed, I used to strike some casual conversations with her or her team to connect with her and there were some clear signs that she liked me, for example, she would call me or text me why I’m not talking to her if I didn’t message her for some time (a week) or she would ask me if I was coming to office as we were working Hybrid if not she would also not come to office. But she always refused to come out with me for a movie or date/meet saying she had a very strict family and cannot come out other than office. I used to think that this was a real thing. But all this went on until her birthday arrived. I got some gift to give her on her birthday only to know that she suddenly stopped talking to me, no replies to my messages, calls or anything. At first, I was bit concerned if there was any problem or if she was in any trouble. But little did I know it was not the case at this time. After few (many) attempts trying to reach her. I though maybe she could be busy or something and I understood may be if I did not disturb her, she might call back. Time went on I again met her after 4 or 5 months in Office with no contact. By this time, I had already realised there was something wrong and she had already lost interest in me. But still I felt like I wanted to have a closure on this and I went on and gave the gift and proposed her, that is when she told me that she was in a relationship with some other person for 4 years. This blew my mind to pieces, as I was thinking why would someone shows any sort of interest on someone when they are already in relationship with some other person. I tried to move away from her after this incident, but fate we still are working in the same department and that I have to see her more often than not. I still have strong feelings for her, but I cannot show this to her and worst act normal. Whenever I see her, I want to talk to her and If I talk to her, I fall for her again and again. But she is happy and casual about all this as if there was not casualty in whole of this thing. Even now she asks me if I’m coming to office so that she could meet me. So, through all this, I have some questions 1. Why does a women show any sort of Interest on someone else when she is already in a relationship, so she can use me as a options and throw away when done 2. How do I move on, as I did not love her for some superficial features, rather I really liked her character, and that is the worst as I feel like I’ll never be able to find anyone like her in my life. Feeling down for a long time now. I’m already 36, feels like all the doors have closed for me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that you are hurt and upset, and rightfully so. You thought she liked you but turns out, she is with someone else. It's a good enough ground to be upset. But I want you to understand one thing- you thought; she never gave you verbal confirmation. You assumed it all. So to answer your first question- all of her interest in you might have been friendly. It is difficult for me to say it with confidence because I have not seen any of this while it happened; I am only hearing your version of it. But my guess is that she thought of you as a friend or maybe, for a while there, she might have had feelings for you, but then realized that she was committed and pulled herself back. Again, all of these are my assumptions. We do not know the truth. Only she does. The next time, whenever you think someone likes you, get verbal confirmation before you act on it.

I understand that whether she showed friendly interest and you mistook it for romantic interest or she actually showed romantic interest and ghosted you, your pain remains the same because everything was real and romantic from your end. I suggest that you focus on yourself. It's unfortunate that you have to see her every day, but so be it. Take it one day at a time. Stick with your friends in your office. Find some hobby that makes you happy and when you are ready to move on, be open to finding love. I understand that this experience was bad, but it won't be the same way every time.

Best wishes.

...Read more

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Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 25, 2025
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Hi..., I feel in love with a muslim girl. I wasn't planned, it just happened I love her exactly the way she is, unconditionally, deeply, endlessly. For the last six years, Six years of loving her without expecting anything in return, without asking for anything but the chance to admire her from a distance. Every smile, every word, every little thing about her has been etched into my heart like poetry. I never saw her religion or background—only her beautiful soul. My love for her has always been pure, unconditional, and endless. It’s not about possessing her, it’s about cherishing her, even if it means keeping my feelings hidden all this time. But six years is a long time, and my heart is heavy with this love that I’ve kept inside. Should I finally tell her what I feel? Should I risk everything to let her know how much she means to me, even if it changes everything? Love knows no boundaries, no religion, no rules—it just is. But society doesn’t think the same way. What would you do if you were in my place? After six years of love, how do you decide what’s right for the person you love?
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It does not matter what anyone else would do in your place or what society thinks. All that matters is what you think and want to do. If you have genuine feelings for her, what's stopping you from expressing them to her? If you don't tell her, how would you know if everything is going to change for the good or bad? Do as your heart wants. After all, you are not harming anyone.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 31, 2025Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am a 36 years old man, father of 2 (5y & 2y), Our income is 40Lacs pa post tax addition to that we have a rental income of 50K pm, our monthly expense is around 40K which is taken care by rents. Doing a SIP of 2.5 lac with total investment of 28L , have a RD of 25 L, ULIP -10L, Gold- 50L, I want to be financially independent in next 10 years. No loan , no credit cards., Has a medical policy of 25L. Emergency fund of 10L. Please advice how i can achieve financial independence in next 10 years.
Ans: 1. Understanding Your Financial Position
You are 36 years old with a goal of financial independence in 10 years.

Your annual post-tax income is Rs 40 lakh, with an additional rental income of Rs 50,000 per month.

Your monthly expenses are Rs 40,000, which are fully covered by rental income.

Your current investments include:

Rs 2.5 lakh SIP per month
Rs 28 lakh in mutual funds
Rs 25 lakh in RD
Rs 10 lakh in ULIP
Rs 50 lakh in gold
Rs 10 lakh emergency fund
You have no loans or credit cards, which is a strong financial position.

Your health insurance is Rs 25 lakh, which is good but may need a review later.

2. Defining Financial Independence
Financial independence means having passive income that covers all expenses.

You need enough wealth to generate returns that sustain your lifestyle.

Your target should be to build a portfolio that provides stable income after 10 years.

3. Optimising Your Current Investments
Mutual Funds – Increase Allocation
Your Rs 2.5 lakh SIP is excellent, but it needs active management.

Actively managed funds provide better returns than index funds.

Direct mutual funds lack professional management. Investing through an MFD with CFP credential helps maximise returns.

Maintain a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds for stability and growth.

Recurring Deposit (RD) – Shift to Growth Assets
Rs 25 lakh in RD earns lower returns compared to equity.

Consider shifting RD funds gradually into mutual funds for better compounding.

Keep only a portion in fixed-income instruments for stability.

ULIP – Consider Surrendering
ULIPs mix insurance with investment, which reduces returns.

Surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds can improve returns significantly.

Keep insurance separate from investments for better wealth creation.

Gold – Maintain a Balanced Allocation
Rs 50 lakh in gold is a significant portion of your portfolio.

Gold is good for diversification but does not generate passive income.

Consider reducing gold exposure and reallocating to growth-oriented assets.

4. Asset Allocation for Financial Independence
A well-diversified portfolio ensures long-term stability and wealth growth.

Your asset allocation can be:

60% in equity mutual funds
20% in debt funds and bonds
10% in gold and other assets
10% in liquid funds for short-term needs
Adjust allocation every year based on market performance.

5. Passive Income Strategy
Your goal is to generate passive income through investments.

SIPs will build a strong equity base over the next 10 years.

A mix of mutual funds and debt instruments will provide steady cash flow.

Rental income already covers monthly expenses, which is an advantage.

After 10 years, your investments should generate returns covering all financial needs.

6. Emergency Fund and Insurance Review
Emergency Fund
Your Rs 10 lakh emergency fund is good.

Keep this amount in liquid funds or fixed deposits for easy access.

Maintain at least six months of expenses as a backup.

Health Insurance
Your Rs 25 lakh health cover is decent, but medical costs rise over time.

Consider increasing coverage to Rs 50 lakh if affordable.

Ensure it covers critical illness and long-term care needs.

7. Retirement and Children’s Education Planning
Retirement Planning
Financial independence should include a secure retirement plan.

Your investments will continue growing even after achieving independence.

Keep investing to ensure financial security beyond the next 10 years.

Children’s Education
Education costs will rise significantly over time.

Start a dedicated investment plan for your children’s higher education.

Equity mutual funds with a long-term horizon will help meet this goal.

8. Tax Efficiency and Wealth Preservation
Efficient tax planning ensures you maximise post-tax returns.

Long-term capital gains tax is lower on equity investments.


Regularly review your tax liability to optimise investment returns.

9. Monitoring and Adjusting the Plan
Review your portfolio every six months.

Rebalance investments if market conditions change.

Keep track of financial independence progress based on wealth accumulation.

10. Final Insights
Your financial position is strong, and your goal is achievable.

Shifting from low-return assets to equity will help in long-term wealth creation.

Active management of investments will ensure better returns and financial security.

Keep insurance separate from investments to avoid lower returns.

A disciplined approach to investing and spending will lead to financial independence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Harsh

Harsh Bharwani  |73 Answers  |Ask -

Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

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Career
Hi what business can I start with 20000rs?
Ans: Hello Mr. Anuj,
Starting a business in India with a budget of ?20,000 is entirely possible with strategic planning, local market research, and minimal infrastructure. Whether you prefer a home-based model, freelancing, or product-based business, several viable options can generate steady income. Here’s a detailed guide to ten promising business ideas tailored for the Indian market.

Online Reselling via Dropshipping
Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory. Popular categories include eco-friendly products, ethnic jewellery, and mobile accessories. Profit margins range from 30–50%, but success depends on social media marketing and supplier reliability.

Freelancing Services
If you have skills in content writing, graphic design, or video editing, freelancing can be a lucrative option. A laptop and internet connection are the only real requirements. Building a strong online presence on LinkedIn or Fiverr can help secure consistent clients.

Home Tutoring/Coaching
With increasing competition in academics, home tutoring is a stable business. Charging ?1,000–2,000 per student per month ensures recurring income. The demand peaks during exam seasons, making it a great long-term option.

Event Decoration
Event decoration, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, is a creative and profitable business. Specializing in birthday parties, anniversaries, and wedding decor can help build a niche. However, the business is seasonal.

Customized Printing
Selling custom-printed T-shirts, mugs, and gifts online is a trendy business. With social media marketing, you can attract college students and young professionals who love personalized products. However, printer maintenance costs should be considered.

Key Tips for Success
Legal Compliance: Register as a sole proprietorship for hassle-free operations.
Smart Marketing: Use WhatsApp Business, Instagram Reels, and Google My Business for cost-effective promotions.
Cost Control: Rent equipment (e.g., cloud kitchens) instead of buying to minimize overheads.
Customer Feedback: Focus on refining offerings based on customer preferences.
Start Small, Scale Later: Test your business model before making large investments.
With careful planning, minimal investment, and the right strategy, starting a business with ?20,000 in India is not only possible but also profitable. Choose a business aligned with your skills and local market demand, and take the first step toward entrepreneurship today!

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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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