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Ramalingam Kalirajan |5408 Answers |Ask -Follow

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

Question by Sakthi on May 09, 2024Hindi

I am 32 year old and beginner to mutual fund which one I need to start 1st to invest for my son and daughter studies they are 7 year old.

Ans: Congratulations on taking the first step towards securing your children's future through mutual fund investments. As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the significance of starting early to harness the power of compounding for long-term goals like education.

Understanding Your Investment Horizon

At 32 years old, you have a considerable investment horizon ahead, aligning well with your children's education goals. With a time horizon of approximately 10-15 years until your children enter higher education, you can adopt a growth-oriented investment approach to capitalize on market opportunities and mitigate short-term fluctuations.

Selecting Suitable Investment Avenues
For beginners in mutual fund investing, I recommend initiating investments through diversified equity mutual funds or balanced funds. These funds offer a blend of equity and debt instruments, providing a balance between growth potential and downside protection.

Investing with a Goal in Mind

Since your primary objective is to accumulate funds for your children's education, consider opting for thematic or sectoral funds that align with sectors poised for long-term growth. Additionally, you may explore tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) to avail tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act while building your children's education corpus.

Incorporating Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs offer a disciplined approach to investing, allowing you to invest fixed amounts regularly, typically on a monthly basis. By leveraging SIPs, you can benefit from rupee cost averaging and mitigate the impact of market volatility over time. Start with an affordable SIP amount that fits within your budget, gradually increasing it as your income grows.

Leveraging the Expertise of a Certified Financial Planner
As you embark on your mutual fund investment journey, seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner can provide invaluable insights and personalized recommendations tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. A CFP can assist you in constructing a well-diversified portfolio and navigating market fluctuations effectively.

Conclusion
In summary, initiating mutual fund investments at an early age can significantly enhance your ability to accumulate wealth for your children's education. By selecting suitable investment avenues, incorporating SIPs, and leveraging professional guidance, you can lay a strong foundation for your children's future educational endeavors.

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.