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Nikunj

Nikunj Saraf  |308 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds Expert - Answered on Jun 13, 2023

Nikunj Saraf has more than five years of experience in financial markets and offers advice about mutual funds. He is vice president at Choice Wealth, a financial institution that offers broking, insurance, loans and government advisory services. Saraf, who is a member of the Institute Of Chartered Accountants of India, has a strong base in financial markets and wealth management.... more
nilay Question by nilay on Jun 02, 2023Hindi
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I am 32 years old and i want to invest long term for higher education of my daughter (17 yrs) and my retirement planning please suggest good plans.

Ans: Hello Nilay. Considering all factors for your goal investment, it will be advisable to invest in Smallcap, mid cap, flexicap and large cap categories in long run. Also, be sure to set your initial sips according to your goal amount.
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  |8292 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 17, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I want to invest for my girl child for her higher education, she is currently 1yr old. Please suggest some good investment plans or schemes other than SSY.
Ans: Investment Plans for Your Child’s Higher Education
Investing early for your child's higher education is a wise decision. Starting now allows you to take advantage of compound interest, ensuring a substantial corpus when she reaches college age. Let’s explore various investment options that can help you achieve this goal.

Equity Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds are an excellent option for long-term goals like your child's education. They offer higher returns compared to traditional savings schemes. Given the long investment horizon (17-18 years), you can benefit from the power of compounding and ride out market volatility.

Large Cap Funds: Invest in well-established companies with a track record of steady returns. They are less volatile than mid and small cap funds.

Mid Cap and Small Cap Funds: While riskier, these funds offer the potential for higher returns. Allocate a smaller portion of your portfolio to these funds for diversification and growth.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This method is ideal for long-term investing as it averages out the cost of investments over time and reduces market timing risk.

Advantages: Disciplined investing, rupee cost averaging, and compounding benefits.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a safe and tax-efficient investment option with a long-term horizon. It offers attractive interest rates and the interest earned is tax-free.

Tenure: 15 years, which can be extended in blocks of 5 years.

Benefits: Safe investment, tax-free returns, and compounding benefits.

Child Plans from Insurance Companies
Child Plans offered by insurance companies are specifically designed to meet future educational expenses. These plans provide insurance cover and an investment component.

Types: Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) and traditional endowment plans.

Features: Regular payouts during key educational milestones, life cover for the parent, and waiver of future premiums in case of the policyholder's untimely demise.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
While you mentioned excluding SSY, it's worth noting that SSY is a government-backed scheme offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits, specifically designed for the girl child’s future education and marriage expenses.

National Savings Certificate (NSC)
National Savings Certificate (NSC) is a fixed-income investment scheme that offers guaranteed returns and tax benefits.

Tenure: 5 years.

Benefits: Safe investment, guaranteed returns, and tax benefits under Section 80C.

Gold ETFs or Sovereign Gold Bonds
Gold ETFs and Sovereign Gold Bonds are effective ways to invest in gold without holding physical gold. They offer a hedge against inflation and portfolio diversification.

Gold ETFs: Trade on the stock exchange, offering liquidity and convenience.

Sovereign Gold Bonds: Issued by the government, providing interest payments and the benefit of capital appreciation.

Diversified Portfolio
Creating a diversified portfolio can mitigate risks and enhance returns. Here’s a suggested allocation:

Equity Mutual Funds: 50-60% for growth and compounding benefits.

PPF and NSC: 20-30% for stability and tax benefits.

Child Plans: 10-20% for targeted educational milestones and insurance cover.

Gold ETFs or Bonds: 5-10% for inflation protection and diversification.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio. Ensure that your investments align with your goals and risk tolerance. As your child approaches college age, gradually shift from equity to more stable, fixed-income investments to protect the corpus from market volatility.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation. They can help you create a comprehensive investment plan that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion
By starting early and choosing a mix of investment options, you can build a substantial corpus for your child's higher education. Diversify your investments, monitor them regularly, and seek professional advice to stay on track. Your thoughtful planning will ensure a bright future for your daughter.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8292 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

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Hi Sir, My age is 35yrs, I have a 7 year old daughter, i want to achieve 10lakhs at the time of her college education that is 16 or 17years. I have 8 years from now, please suggest the best investment option with low risk to achieve my target.
Ans: Your foresight in planning for your daughter's education demonstrates your commitment to her future well-being.

Analysis:
With an 8-year time horizon, it's crucial to balance risk and return to achieve your financial goal effectively.
Low-Risk Investment Options
Evaluating Fixed Income Instruments:
Sovereign Bonds or Government Securities:

Government bonds offer a low-risk investment option with guaranteed returns, providing stability to your investment portfolio.
Debt Mutual Funds:

Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and treasury bills, offering relatively stable returns compared to equity investments.
Assessing Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):
Balanced Mutual Funds:

Balanced funds allocate assets between equities and fixed income securities, offering a blend of growth potential and capital preservation suitable for medium-term goals.
Short-term Debt Funds:

Short-term debt funds invest in debt securities with shorter maturities, providing stability and predictable returns over the investment period.
Advantages of Low-Risk Investments:
Capital Preservation:

Low-risk investments prioritize the safety of your capital, reducing the potential for significant losses due to market volatility.
Steady Growth:

While low-risk investments may offer modest returns, they provide consistent growth over time, helping you achieve your financial goals with minimal exposure to market fluctuations.
Understanding the Impact of Inflation:
Inflationary Pressure:
While low-risk investments offer stability, it's essential to consider the impact of inflation on the purchasing power of your savings over time. Adjust your investment strategy accordingly to ensure your goals are met.
Conclusion
Considering your goal of accumulating 10 lakhs for your daughter's education in 8 years, low-risk investment options such as sovereign bonds, debt mutual funds, and balanced funds can help you achieve this target while prioritizing capital preservation and steady growth. However, it's advisable to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor an investment plan that aligns with your risk tolerance, financial objectives, and time horizon.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4465 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 27, 2025

Career
Jee main 2025,my son got 95.2%tile,71104 rank ,ews rank 10111,home state punjab ,can he get cse,ece,data science,it, branch in any nit,iiit,gftis or which branches he will get in these institutes .
Ans: Varinder Sir, Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4465 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 27, 2025

Career
My son got 93.4 percentile jee main . He got eee bit mesra and cse in srm ktr which prospect is better?
Ans: Sharmistha Madam, prefer BIT-M-EEE. Explore more options for your daughter as back-ups by knowing the JoSAA Counselling Opening & Closing Ranks of last year. Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'

Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |598 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 27, 2025

Career
I have already appeared for the JEE Main and secured a 95.15 percentile, which is close to the previous year's cut-off. My query is whether it is possible to select both options JEE and NFATso that if I do not qualify through my JEE score, my application can be considered based on my NFAT score instead. If selecting both options is permissible, could you please guide me on how to do so while filling out the application form? Your assistance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Ans: No, candidates cannot apply using both JEE Main and NAFT scores for the same admissions. JEE Main scores are used for admissions to engineering programs at NITs, IIITs, and other participating institutions, while NAFT scores are used for admissions to NAFT-affiliated universities. These are distinct admission processes, and only one set of scores can be used.

...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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