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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |4329 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 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 10, 2024Hindi
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I am 31 years old and I have monthly income of 1,80,000 including wife's income after deducting all taxes and monthly expenses and EMIs. Curent Investment is going like this per month. 1. 125,000 in mutual funds in below category. And I am expecting to increase this sip by 10% annually. 65000 in small cap 35000 in mid cap 25000 in large cap 2. 8500 in PPF 3. 25000 towards buying gold coins I have a emergency funds of 11 lacs in FD which is almost 20X of monthly expenses. Also in stocks I have accumulated around 12 lacs since from last month only I increased sip amount. My goal is to get financial freedom by age of 38 with 4-5 crores. Could you please suggest if I am moving in right path.

Ans: It's commendable that you're diligently planning and investing towards your financial freedom. Let's analyze your current investment strategy and assess if it aligns with your goal of achieving financial independence by the age of 38 with a corpus of 4-5 crores.

Assessment of Current Investments
Mutual Funds Allocation
Small-Cap Funds: You allocate a substantial portion towards small-cap funds, which have the potential for high growth but come with higher volatility.
Mid-Cap and Large-Cap Funds: Diversifying across mid-cap and large-cap funds provides balance and stability to your portfolio.
PPF and Gold Investments
PPF: Investing in PPF is a prudent choice as it offers tax benefits and provides a safe avenue for long-term wealth accumulation.
Gold Coins: Allocating a portion towards gold adds diversification to your portfolio and acts as a hedge against inflation and market volatility.
Emergency Funds and Stocks
Emergency Funds: Your emergency fund of 11 lakhs in FD is sufficient, providing a safety net equivalent to 20 times your monthly expenses.
Stocks: Accumulating stocks alongside mutual funds adds another dimension to your portfolio, but ensure proper diversification and risk management.
Suggestions for Achieving Financial Freedom
Review Asset Allocation
Risk Management: While small-cap funds offer growth potential, ensure that your portfolio is balanced across different asset classes to mitigate risk.
Rebalance Regularly: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation and adjust to changing market conditions.
Increase SIP Contributions
10% Annual Increase: Increasing your SIP contributions annually by 10% is a prudent strategy to boost your investments and keep pace with inflation.
Regular Monitoring: Monitor your investment performance and adjust your SIP amounts periodically to stay on track towards your financial goals.
Consider Tax-Efficient Investments
Tax Planning: Explore tax-efficient investment options such as ELSS funds or National Pension Scheme (NPS) to optimize tax savings and enhance wealth accumulation.
Tax Harvesting: Utilize tax-loss harvesting strategies in stocks to offset gains and minimize tax liabilities.
Continual Learning and Adaptation
Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with market trends, investment strategies, and regulatory changes to make informed decisions.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor a comprehensive financial plan aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
Conclusion
Your proactive approach towards financial planning and disciplined investing are key steps towards achieving financial freedom by the age of 38 with a target corpus of 4-5 crores. By maintaining a well-balanced portfolio, increasing SIP contributions, and exploring tax-efficient investment avenues, you are on the right path towards realizing your aspirations.

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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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 03, 2024Hindi
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Hi Ramalingam, I am 26 earning 78k per month as salary Having investment in FD: 2.5lakh RD:2500per month (started dec 2023) SBI conta fund 2000 monthly started (dec 2023) SBI small cap:2000 per month (started nov 2023) SBI bluechip fund: 2000 per month (started nov 2023) SBI multicap fund: 2000 (started nov 2023) And started contributing in PF as well from last year, deposited 1.5lakhs Are my investments are on track or where and how much shall I invest to attain financial freedom at the age of 40-42 ? I also want to buy a car soon. Kindly suggest.
Ans: It's great to see that you've started investing at a young age and are thinking about your financial future. Here are some suggestions to help you achieve your goals:

Review Your Portfolio: Evaluate the performance of your existing investments periodically and ensure they are aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Emergency Fund: Consider building an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months' worth of expenses. This fund will provide a financial cushion in case of unexpected expenses or loss of income.

Diversification: While it's good to have investments in mutual funds and recurring deposits (RD), consider diversifying your portfolio further. Explore other asset classes such as equity, debt, real estate, and gold to spread risk and enhance returns.

Goal-Based Investing: Define your financial goals clearly, including milestones like buying a car and achieving financial freedom by age 40-42. Allocate your investments accordingly to meet each goal within the desired timeframe.

Investing for Retirement: Since you aim to achieve financial freedom by age 40-42, focus on building a substantial retirement corpus. Consider investing in long-term wealth creation instruments like equity mutual funds, PPF (Public Provident Fund), NPS (National Pension System), and EPF (Employee Provident Fund).

Car Purchase: If you plan to buy a car soon, start setting aside a portion of your savings towards this goal. You can either save up the entire amount or consider taking a car loan, depending on your financial situation and preferences.

Budgeting: Track your income and expenses regularly to ensure you're living within your means and allocating sufficient funds towards savings and investments.

Financial Planning: Consider consulting with a financial advisor to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals, risk profile, and investment horizon. They can help you optimize your investment strategy and make informed decisions.

Remember to stay disciplined with your savings and investments, avoid impulsive spending, and continue learning about personal finance to make informed decisions. With prudent financial planning and consistent efforts, you can work towards achieving financial freedom and realizing your goals.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |4329 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 06, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am 35 years old and have an investment goal of 5 crore by the age of 55. I am investing 8000 per month in following mutual funds : ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct - Growth - 2000 Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct - Growth - 500 SBI Bluechip Direct - Growth - 2000 Axis Midcap Direct - Growth - 500 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct - Growth - 1000 Axis ELSS Tax Saver Direct Plan - Growth - 500 Axis Small Cap Fund Direct - Growth - 500 Tata Business Cycle Fund Direct - Growth - 500 ICICI money market Direct - Growth - 500 I have accumulated 3.78 lacs till date in last 2 years. Can you tell me if these MFs have growth potential or let me know any other funds that can help me with my goal. I can invest 2000 more by year end in MFs. I also invest 6000 per month in different shares. I have accumulated 2 lacs in that as well. Invest 9000 per month in PPF and currently have 4.6 lacs in there and also have 11.25 lacs in there with monthly contribution of 22k. Invest 4000 per month in NPS. Also, invest 1200 per month in SBI Ulip plan with 12 years more to go. Currently with 8 years of investment, total yield stands at 1.7 lacs. Have 3 different LICs which will give me around 35 Lacs on maturity. I have a property that is around 35 Lacs with home loan pending of 23 lacs to be completed in next 6 years. I also have personal raw gold of around 2.25 lacs Am I on the right track?
Ans: You've embarked on a comprehensive investment journey, which is commendable. Let's delve into your portfolio and discuss its growth potential:

Your monthly SIP investments across various mutual funds demonstrate a diversified approach towards wealth creation.

ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund, Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund, and SBI Bluechip Fund are renowned for their stability and consistent returns.

Axis Midcap and Axis Small Cap Funds provide exposure to mid-cap and small-cap segments, respectively, offering growth potential over the long term.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is known for its flexibility and balanced approach, while Tata Business Cycle Fund focuses on economic cycles, offering a unique investment proposition.

Considering your investment horizon and target corpus of 5 crores by the age of 55, these mutual funds align well with your goals.

Adding 2000 more to your monthly SIPs by year-end will further boost your investment corpus and accelerate your wealth accumulation journey.

Your investment in shares, PPF, and NPS complements your mutual fund investments, enhancing diversification and risk management.

Additionally, your investments in ULIP, LIC policies, and real estate add another layer of financial security and asset appreciation potential.

With a clear roadmap and diversified investment portfolio, you're on the right track towards achieving your financial goals.

However, it's essential to periodically review your portfolio's performance, rebalance if necessary, and stay updated with market trends.

Ensure that your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term objectives, and seek professional advice if needed.

Overall, your proactive approach towards financial planning and diverse investment portfolio indicate that you're on the path to financial success.

Moreover, instead of investing directly, consider investing in regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). Here's why:

By investing through a Regular Plan, you can access professional advice and guidance from an experienced Mutual Fund Distributor.
MFDs can help you navigate through the complexities of the market, select suitable funds based on your risk profile, and monitor your investments regularly.
Regular plans often offer additional services, such as portfolio reviews, financial planning, and timely updates on market trends and fund performance.
Investing through an MFD ensures that you receive ongoing support and assistance, helping you make informed decisions and stay on track towards your financial goals.

Overall, by diversifying your investments and leveraging the expertise of a Mutual Fund Distributor, you can enhance the effectiveness of your investment strategy and optimize your chances of long-term success.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |4329 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2024Hindi
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? rediff.com Rediff Gurus Logo Hi Jay Chandora | Sign Out HealthHealth MoneyMoney RelationshipRelationship CareesCareer Ask your questions about health, money, relationship or careers here Ask Anonymously Jay Jay 1 Questions 0 Answers 1 Gurus 0 Bookmarks These questions will be answered soon. Not Answered yet Jay Asked on - May 10, 2024 I am 31 years old and I have monthly income of 1,80,000 including wife's income after deducting all taxes and monthly expenses and EMIs. Curent Investment is going like this per month. 1. 125,000 in mutual funds in below category. And I am expecting to increase this sip by 10% annually. 65000 in small cap 35000 in mid cap 25000 in large cap 2. 8500 in PPF 3. 25000 towards buying gold coins I have a emergency funds of 11 lacs in FD which is almost 20X of monthly expenses. Also in stocks I have accumulated around 12 lacs since from last month only I increased sip amount. My goal is to get financial freedom by age of 38 with 4-5 crores. Could you please suggest if I am moving in right path.
Ans: Congratulations on your disciplined financial planning and significant progress towards your goals. You have a well-structured approach to investments, and it’s great to see your commitment to financial freedom.

Current Financial Situation
Your current monthly income is ?1,80,000. After deducting taxes, expenses, and EMIs, your investments are allocated as follows:

Mutual Funds: ?1,25,000 (increasing SIP by 10% annually)
Small Cap: ?65,000
Mid Cap: ?35,000
Large Cap: ?25,000
Public Provident Fund (PPF): ?8,500
Gold Coins: ?25,000
You have an emergency fund of ?11 lakhs in a fixed deposit, which covers 20 months of expenses. Additionally, you have ?12 lakhs in stocks.

Analyzing Your Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds
Your allocation in mutual funds is quite aggressive, with a significant focus on small and mid cap funds. While these can provide high returns, they also come with higher volatility.

Small Cap Funds: These can deliver substantial growth but are risky. Ensure you have a long-term horizon for this investment.

Mid Cap Funds: These balance growth and risk but still carry more risk compared to large cap funds.

Large Cap Funds: These provide stability and moderate returns, balancing your portfolio.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your monthly contribution to PPF is ?8,500. PPF is a safe investment with tax benefits, and it should be part of a long-term strategy.

Gold Coins
Investing in gold coins can be a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. However, the allocation seems high. Consider diversifying within other stable asset classes.

Emergency Fund
An emergency fund of ?11 lakhs is prudent and well-maintained. It ensures liquidity and financial security in unforeseen circumstances.

Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom
Increase SIPs Gradually
You plan to increase your SIPs by 10% annually. This is a sound strategy. As your income grows, increasing your investment contributions will significantly impact your corpus growth.

Portfolio Diversification
Ensure your portfolio is diversified. Currently, there’s a heavy tilt towards small and mid cap funds. Consider increasing allocation to large cap and balanced funds to reduce risk.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Rebalance it to align with your risk tolerance and financial goals. A diversified portfolio helps manage risk effectively.

Target Corpus Calculation
To achieve a corpus of ?4-5 crores by age 38, considering you have 7 years, your current investments and future increments should be strategically planned.

Mutual Funds Growth: With an expected annual return of 12-15%, your increasing SIPs can substantially grow your corpus.

Stock Market Investments: Your current ?12 lakhs in stocks can grow significantly with regular investments and market returns.

PPF and Gold: Continue with your PPF contributions for safety and tax benefits. Gold investments should be moderate to avoid over-concentration in one asset.

Professional Guidance
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide tailored advice. A CFP can help optimise your investment strategy, monitor performance, and adjust as needed.

Conclusion
You are on the right path with a disciplined approach to savings and investments. Increasing SIPs, diversifying your portfolio, and regular monitoring will help you achieve your goal of financial freedom by 38. Keep up the good work and stay committed to your plan.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |1420 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 06, 2024

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Sir, my son got 452 marks outof 500 in cbse. But he got 170 cutoff for tnea counseling. So getting first level colleges is difficult. He is willing to do repeater coaching for jee 2025. Is it fair for his future?
Ans: Revathy Madam, You have not mentioned whether your Son appeared in JEE this year or not? If yes, his Score? Had he joined any Coaching Center during his 11th / 12th? If possible, try for alternate solution (than taking a drop for next year JEE) as there are hardly 7-8 months left to appear for his 1st JEE-Main Exam. If he decides for a drop, here are some IMPORTANT Practical Steps / Strategies / Tips to prepare for his JEE next year: (1) Whenever he studies at home, he should study for 45-minutes. Then take a break of 10-minutes when he can move away from her study table, walk, have some water & relax. If he continues studying beyond 45-minutes, his concentration power will go down, resulting to low outputs. Most students commit this mistake. (2) On daily basis (morning or evening whichever will be convenient to him), he should do yoga or meditation or physical exercises or play any games / sports (whichever he can do) for at least 30-45 minutes. This will further reduce his stress / distractions. (3)He should study tough topics / tough subjects (applicable to him) early morning with his fresh mind. (4) Should eat a lot of green vegetables / fruits & avoid soft drinks / junk foods (5) Every day night, before going to bed, he should revise whatever he has studied during the day. (6) Also, he should revise every week whatever she has covered till date (here his short-notes which he should prepare will be helpful). (7) He should also keep practising questions on topics which he has covered either offline or online (8) He should give utmost importance to wrongly answered / difficult / complicated / tough questions and have a separate note-book specially for this for each subject (PCM) (8) He might be aware that NEET rank is allotted on the basis of highest score in Maths, followed by Physics & Chemistry. He should practice more and more in Maths, till he reaches Speed & Accuracy. (9) By November-December, he should attempt full syllabus online test series / mock tests, evaluate and analyse his performance such as, (a) which topic / unit / concept he is weak which needs revision and improvement as this will disturb him when he will appear in actual JEE exam (b) abnormal time taken to attempt any question which he can come to know from Online Test Series which he should reduce (c) which questions he skipped and why? (10) He should AVOID studying under pressure that he should get admission only into IITs/ NITs. Never advisable. Any one can be successful, even if he / she studies in NON-IIT / NON-NIT Colleges also. (11) Have Plan B & Plan C for other Colleges Entrance Exams / Disciplines-Streams. (11) Avoid comparing yourself with other students. (12) Also, it is highly ideal to appear in / attempt minimum 5-Entrance Exams (for both Govt & Private Engineering Colleges). He will have a lot of options (easiest method) to choose the best and most suitable one, keeping in view a lot of factors such as, College | Location | Your Interest | Stream Preference | Placement Records | College Culture | Your Short & Long Term Goals | Pressure He Can Go Through | Your AIR & Job Market Condition when he applies for his BTech & Even after. I hope I have answered to your question with value additions.

All the BEST for your Son's Bright Future.

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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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