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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 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 - Jun 17, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi , I am 32 now. I want to create my corpus 6cr in next 10years. My salary is 2.35L. can you please suggest how to achieve my goal.

Ans: It’s great that you’re planning for a bright financial future at 32. Building a Rs 6 crore corpus in the next 10 years is ambitious, but definitely achievable with strategic planning. With a monthly salary of Rs 2.35 lakhs, you’re well-positioned to make this goal a reality. Let’s explore how you can achieve this.

Understanding Your Financial Position
First, let's assess your current financial situation. With a solid salary, you have a good foundation for savings and investments. Here are the key areas to consider:

Monthly Income:
Your salary is Rs 2.35 lakhs. This gives you substantial room for saving and investing.

Expenses:
Identify your monthly expenses. This includes housing, utilities, groceries, and other personal expenditures.

Savings Rate:
Determine how much you save each month. Ideally, saving 30% to 40% of your income is a good target.

Existing Investments:
Take stock of any current investments or savings. This could include mutual funds, fixed deposits, or other assets.

Setting a Realistic Saving and Investment Plan
To reach Rs 6 crores in 10 years, a disciplined saving and investment strategy is essential. Here’s a structured approach:

Determine Your Monthly Savings Goal:
Calculate how much you need to save each month to reach your Rs 6 crore target. Aim for a high savings rate, given your income.

Choose the Right Investment Vehicles:
Avoid index funds due to their passive nature and potential limitations in high-growth scenarios. Actively managed mutual funds offer better growth opportunities through professional management.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):
Consider setting up a SIP in diversified mutual funds. This automates your investments and ensures consistent contributions towards your goal.

High-Return Investment Options:
Look into equity-oriented mutual funds and other high-return options. These can potentially offer the growth rates needed to meet your target.

Balancing Risk and Return
Investing involves balancing the potential for high returns with the risk of market volatility. Here's how you can manage this balance:

Understand Risk Tolerance:
Assess your comfort level with investment risks. Being young, you might be able to take on more risk for higher returns.

Diversification:
Spread your investments across different asset classes and sectors. This reduces the risk of significant losses from any one investment.

Regular Monitoring:
Keep an eye on your investment portfolio. Regular reviews help you stay on track and make adjustments as needed.

The Importance of a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide valuable guidance throughout your investment journey. Here’s why you should consider working with one:

Expert Advice:
CFPs offer professional insights tailored to your financial situation and goals. They help you make informed investment decisions.

Comprehensive Planning:
They create a holistic financial plan, covering savings, investments, insurance, and retirement planning. This ensures all aspects of your finances are aligned.

Ongoing Support:
Having a CFP means you have continuous support to navigate market changes and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Optimizing Your Investment Strategy
To achieve a Rs 6 crore corpus, it’s essential to optimize your investment strategy. Here are some key strategies:

Maximize Tax-Advantaged Investments:
Utilize tax-saving investment options to reduce your taxable income. This could include tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) or PPF.

Leverage Compounding:
Invest consistently and start early to benefit from compounding. The longer your investments grow, the greater the compounding effect.

Avoid Direct Funds:
Direct mutual funds might seem appealing due to lower costs, but they lack professional guidance. Investing through a CFP provides expert advice and personalized support.

Managing Debt and Other Financial Commitments
Debt can impact your savings and investment capacity. It’s crucial to manage debt effectively:

Evaluate Existing Debts:
List any outstanding loans or credit card debts. Understand their interest rates and repayment terms.

Prioritize Debt Repayment:
Focus on repaying high-interest debts first. This reduces the financial burden and frees up more money for savings.

Avoid Unnecessary Debt:
Be cautious about taking on new debts. Keep your debt-to-income ratio low to maintain financial flexibility.

Building a Robust Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is essential for financial security. Here’s how to build and maintain one:

Determine the Fund Size:
Aim to save at least 6 months’ worth of expenses. This provides a buffer against unexpected financial challenges.

Keep It Accessible:
Place your emergency fund in a liquid and safe account. A high-interest savings account or liquid mutual fund is a good choice.

Regularly Review and Adjust:
Reevaluate your emergency fund as your financial situation changes. Ensure it remains adequate to cover your needs.

Protecting Your Financial Future with Insurance
Insurance is a critical component of your financial plan. It safeguards your income and assets against unforeseen events:

Health Insurance:
Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance. This covers medical expenses and protects your savings from healthcare costs.

Life Insurance:
If you have dependents, life insurance is essential. Choose a term insurance policy that provides sufficient coverage for your family’s needs.

Disability Insurance:
Consider disability insurance to protect your income in case of injury or illness that prevents you from working.

Planning for Retirement Alongside Your Corpus Goal
While building your Rs 6 crore corpus, it’s also important to plan for retirement. Here’s how to balance both goals:

Set Retirement Goals:
Determine how much you need for a comfortable retirement. Consider factors like lifestyle, inflation, and healthcare costs.

Separate Retirement Savings:
Keep your retirement savings separate from your other financial goals. Use retirement-specific investment accounts like NPS.

Review and Adjust Regularly:
Regularly review your retirement plan. Adjust your contributions and investment strategies as needed to stay on track.

Continuous Learning and Financial Awareness
Staying informed about financial trends and best practices is crucial for successful investing. Here’s how to enhance your financial literacy:

Read Financial News and Books:
Stay updated with financial news and read books on personal finance and investing. This helps you make informed decisions.

Attend Seminars and Workshops:
Participate in financial seminars and workshops. They offer valuable insights and strategies from experts.

Consult Your CFP Regularly:
Have regular check-ins with your Certified Financial Planner. Discuss market trends, investment performance, and any changes in your financial goals.

Final Insights
Achieving a Rs 6 crore corpus in 10 years is a challenging but attainable goal. By strategically planning your savings and investments, managing risks, and seeking professional guidance, you can navigate your financial journey with confidence. Stay focused, disciplined, and proactive in adjusting your strategies as needed. Your dedication and commitment today will pave the way for a prosperous future.

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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 24, 2024

Money
Hello sir im 36 years old have one mod studying 3rd grade i have salary of 3L and below are my wealth accumulation. Mutual Funds: 38Lakhs Stocks: 9 Lakhs PF: 30 Lakhs ESOP: 1.5 Cr House: 2 house (80L & 50L) My monthly investment details below Mutual funds: 80K Stocks: 50K LIC: 6K I want to create a corpus of 10 Cr in next 10 years. How can i acheive this.
Ans: Creating a corpus of Rs 10 crore in the next ten years is an ambitious goal. It's achievable with a strategic plan. Let's break down your current situation and create a plan to help you reach your financial objectives. Your existing investments and monthly contributions will play a crucial role in this journey.

Evaluating Current Investments
First, let's review your current investments:

Mutual Funds: Rs 38 lakhs

Stocks: Rs 9 lakhs

Provident Fund (PF): Rs 30 lakhs

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Rs 1.5 crores

House Properties: Rs 80 lakhs and Rs 50 lakhs

You also invest Rs 80,000 in mutual funds and Rs 50,000 in stocks monthly. You pay Rs 6,000 towards LIC premiums.

Assessing Monthly Investments
You are already investing a significant amount each month. This is commendable. However, to meet your Rs 10 crore target in 10 years, you need to optimize your investment strategy.

Mutual Funds
You have Rs 38 lakhs in mutual funds and invest Rs 80,000 monthly. Mutual funds are a great way to accumulate wealth over the long term. However, it's crucial to choose the right funds. Actively managed funds, rather than index funds, might be more suitable for achieving higher returns due to professional management and potential for better performance.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds might seem appealing due to lower costs, but they have limitations. They simply track market indexes, limiting their potential for higher returns. Actively managed funds have fund managers who make strategic decisions to outperform the market. Though they come with higher fees, the potential for better returns can outweigh these costs.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds offer several advantages. Experienced fund managers actively select investments, aiming to outperform the market. They adapt to market changes, making strategic decisions. This dynamic approach can potentially yield higher returns compared to the passive strategy of index funds.

Stocks
You have Rs 9 lakhs in stocks and invest Rs 50,000 monthly. Stocks can offer high returns but come with higher risks. Diversifying your stock investments can reduce risk. Consider investing in stocks with strong growth potential and good track records.

Provident Fund (PF)
Your provident fund is a stable investment, providing safety and steady growth. With Rs 30 lakhs, it forms a secure base in your portfolio. However, its returns are lower compared to equity investments. It’s wise to maintain this for stability but focus more on high-growth investments.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Your ESOP worth Rs 1.5 crores is a significant asset. However, it's important to monitor the company's performance closely. Diversifying some of these holdings into other investment avenues can mitigate risks associated with company-specific factors.

House Properties
You own two houses valued at Rs 80 lakhs and Rs 50 lakhs. Real estate is a tangible asset but might not offer the liquidity needed for your goal. Consider maintaining them for stability, but focus more on liquid and high-return investments like mutual funds and stocks.

Reviewing LIC Policies
You pay Rs 6,000 monthly towards LIC policies. Traditional LIC policies offer lower returns compared to mutual funds. Consider surrendering these policies and redirecting the premiums into high-growth mutual funds. This can enhance your wealth accumulation potential.

Optimizing Monthly Investments
Let's look at optimizing your monthly investments. Currently, you invest Rs 1.36 lakhs monthly in various assets. Here's a suggested approach:

Mutual Funds: Continue investing Rs 80,000. Ensure these are in actively managed equity funds with a strong track record.

Stocks: Continue investing Rs 50,000, focusing on well-researched, high-growth stocks.

LIC: Consider redirecting Rs 6,000 from LIC premiums to mutual funds.

Strategic Investment Plan
Achieving Rs 10 crore in 10 years requires a focused strategy. Here are key steps:

Regular Review and Rebalancing: Regularly review your portfolio. Rebalance it annually to maintain the desired asset allocation. This helps in optimizing returns and managing risks.

Tax Efficiency: Invest in tax-efficient instruments. Use tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) to reduce your taxable income under Section 80C.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This ensures you don't need to liquidate long-term investments during emergencies.

Diversification: Diversify across different asset classes. This reduces risk and improves potential returns. Invest in a mix of equities, debt, and other assets.

Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem attractive due to lower expense ratios, but they require active management. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures professional management and guidance. Regular funds come with the benefit of expert advice and monitoring, which can be crucial in optimizing returns and achieving financial goals.

Monitoring Progress
Track your investment performance regularly. Ensure that your portfolio is on track to meet your Rs 10 crore goal. Adjust your strategy based on market conditions and personal circumstances.

Risk Management
Managing risks is essential. Diversify your investments and avoid over-concentration in any single asset. Consider investing in different sectors and geographies to spread risk.

Retirement Planning
Consider your retirement goals as well. Ensure that your investments align with your long-term retirement plans. This ensures financial stability beyond your 10-year goal.

Children's Education
Plan for your child's education. Set aside funds specifically for this purpose. Education costs can be substantial, and planning early ensures you are financially prepared.

Final Insights
Achieving a Rs 10 crore corpus in 10 years is challenging but feasible. Your current investments and monthly contributions are a strong foundation. By optimizing your investment strategy, focusing on high-growth assets, and managing risks, you can reach your financial goal.

Regularly reviewing your portfolio and making necessary adjustments is crucial. Seek professional advice when needed and stay committed to your investment plan.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
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Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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