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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 09, 2025

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
Rajdeep Question by Rajdeep on Jun 24, 2025Hindi
Money

I am 34 years old. Married with a 2 yo daughter. Income 1.4lpa p.m. Expenses 50k p.m. SIP 50k p.m. Rest on insurance, child investment, PPF(1.5lpa), etc. Current corpus: FD 5lacs MF (SIP) 11lacs Shares 3 lacs PPF 20lacs Child's PPF 2lacs Emergency funds 3 lacs EPF 10lacs Others: Insurance own- 10L Insurance wife & child 10L Insurance own&wife&child with office - 7.5L Parents insurance 8.5lacs each. Term insurance 1cr Accident insurance 50L No debts. Ancestral house. SIP breakup- 8k in gold. 14k in large cap. 14k in midcap. 10k in flexicap&multicap. 4k in smallcap. Could you please guide if the SIP is adequate for a large 5cr+ corpus when im 55yo? Also, would it be cost beneficial to appoint an investment advisor on a full time basis to manage my portfolio?

Ans: You are 34 years old, married, and father to a 2-year-old daughter.
Your current structure shows discipline.
You are on the right track.

Now let’s assess your plan, identify any weak spots, and build a better direction.

Understanding Your Current Situation
Let’s summarise your current financial profile clearly.

Age: 34

Family: Wife and daughter (2 years old)

Income: Rs. 1.4 lakh per month

Expenses: Rs. 50,000 per month

Monthly Savings: Around Rs. 90,000

SIP Contribution: Rs. 50,000 per month

No loans. This gives flexibility.

Ancestral property: Passive asset, no liability.

Goal: Rs. 5 crore+ corpus by 55 years

Snapshot of Current Asset Allocation
Fixed Deposit: Rs. 5 lakhs

Mutual Funds (SIP corpus): Rs. 11 lakhs

Direct Equity (Shares): Rs. 3 lakhs

PPF (Yourself): Rs. 20 lakhs

PPF (Child): Rs. 2 lakhs

EPF: Rs. 10 lakhs

Emergency Fund: Rs. 3 lakhs

Life Insurance: Total Rs. 1 crore (term cover)

Health Insurance: Rs. 8.5 lakhs each (parents), Rs. 7.5 lakhs (family + office policy)

Accident Insurance: Rs. 50 lakhs

You have a healthy base.
You are saving consistently.
But, let’s refine it for a Rs. 5 crore goal.

Mutual Fund SIP Distribution
You invest Rs. 50,000 monthly through SIP.

Here is the category-wise breakdown:

Gold Fund: Rs. 8,000

Large Cap Funds: Rs. 14,000

Mid Cap Funds: Rs. 14,000

Flexi/Multi Cap Funds: Rs. 10,000

Small Cap Funds: Rs. 4,000

This is a good start.
But some re-balancing can help.

Let’s evaluate SIP from three angles:

Category Allocation

Risk Adjusted Growth Potential

Long-term Stability

Analysis of SIP Allocation
1. Gold SIP – Rs. 8,000
Too much exposure in gold

Gold is a safety net, not a growth tool

Gold offers low inflation-adjusted returns

Better to limit gold SIP to Rs. 2,000 monthly

Redirect balance to equity-oriented mutual funds

2. Large Cap Funds – Rs. 14,000
Good base of portfolio

Offers stability and moderate returns

Stay with 1-2 large cap schemes only

Avoid duplication

Active funds better than index funds

Index funds lack flexibility and alpha potential

Stick to managed large cap funds through regular plans

Invest via MFD backed by CFP for consistent review

3. Mid Cap Funds – Rs. 14,000
Suitable for your age and time horizon

But too high as % of total SIP

Midcaps are volatile in short term

Long-term rewards possible

Stick to one mid cap fund

Reduce monthly SIP to Rs. 10,000

Shift extra amount to multicap or flexicap

4. Flexicap / Multicap Funds – Rs. 10,000
Very important category

Allows dynamic allocation across all market caps

Good for long-term wealth building

Continue current allocation

Add more from gold or midcap reallocation

5. Small Cap Funds – Rs. 4,000
Volatile and risky

Suitable only if you can wait 10+ years

Keep exposure below 10% of SIP

Rs. 4,000 is fine for now

No need to increase this

Suggested New SIP Mix
Revised SIP suggestions for balanced growth:

Large Cap Funds – Rs. 14,000

Mid Cap Funds – Rs. 10,000

Flexi/Multicap Funds – Rs. 16,000

Small Cap Funds – Rs. 4,000

Gold Funds – Rs. 2,000

Total – Rs. 46,000

Leave Rs. 4,000 as buffer or redirect to PPF/NPS

Equity vs Non-Equity Mix Review
Your non-MF corpus includes:

EPF, PPF, FD, Emergency Fund

These are low to moderate return instruments

About Rs. 38 lakhs is parked here

Ensure you do not go overboard with fixed returns

Equity exposure is necessary to beat inflation

At 34, equity should be 70% of long-term corpus

Review asset allocation yearly

Rebalance to maintain risk-reward balance

Retirement Corpus Assessment
You want Rs. 5 crore+ by age 55.
That’s a 21-year horizon.

You’re currently investing Rs. 50,000 monthly.
If your SIP grows by 10% yearly, and earns 11–12% returns,
Then the goal of Rs. 5 crore is achievable.

But this needs:

Consistent SIPs for 20+ years

No premature withdrawals

Timely rebalancing

Periodic review of underperforming funds

Avoiding unnecessary product switches

Keep increasing SIPs every year.
Even 5% yearly increase helps reach your goal faster.

Why You Should Avoid Index Funds
You did not mention index funds directly.
But it’s worth noting here.

Index funds follow the index passively.
They don’t beat markets, only follow them.
They cannot avoid poor-performing sectors.
They don’t pick undervalued opportunities.

On the other hand, actively managed funds:

Adjust portfolio based on market cycles

Avoid sectors that may underperform

Seek opportunities across themes and styles

Provide alpha (extra return) over time

Choose regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner and MFD.
They help you choose top-rated funds, not trending funds.
And they give better support during market falls.

Insurance Coverage – Strengths and Gaps
You already have:

Term Insurance: Rs. 1 crore

Health Insurance: Rs. 8.5L for parents

Group policy: Rs. 7.5L (family)

Accident Insurance: Rs. 50L

Some suggestions:

Increase term insurance to Rs. 2 crore over time

Buy family floater health insurance of Rs. 15–20 lakhs

Group cover ends with job

Personal cover gives lifelong safety

Do not mix insurance with investment

Avoid money-back, ULIP, or endowment plans

Do You Need a Full-Time Investment Advisor?
Let us assess if full-time help is needed.

You may need help if:

You cannot review funds quarterly

You feel overwhelmed by market news

You want tax-efficient portfolio building

You want someone to plan beyond mutual funds

You need help aligning funds with your goals

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) backed by an MFD can:

Create a customised asset allocation

Optimise taxation

Ensure fund choices match goals

Guide rebalancing

Reduce emotional investing mistakes

Provide 360-degree financial management

If the advisor is commission-based MFD and provides value,
Then you don’t pay fee upfront
Instead, expense is recovered from fund house trail fee
This makes it low cost for you
And advisor stays involved for long-term

Other Recommendations
Increase SIP annually

Don’t invest in too many schemes

Use goal-based investing – retirement, education, wedding

Keep emergency fund always ready

Update nominations in all accounts

Do yearly review of portfolio

Ensure wife is financially aware

Consider investing in child fund separately

Prefer MF route for child over traditional plans

Finally
You are doing better than average investors.
Your SIP habit is strong.
Your insurance protection is decent.
You are debt-free and stable.

But you need:

Streamlined mutual fund portfolio

Less exposure to gold

SIP rebalancing yearly

Increase term and health cover

More attention to portfolio reviews

Guidance from Certified Financial Planner backed by MFD

You are only 34.
With discipline and guidance, your Rs. 5 crore goal is well within reach.
Just review yearly, stay consistent, and avoid panic decisions.

Every rupee saved and invested right will bring strong results.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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 Jul 31, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 31, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Age 39 monthly income 2,00,000 Asset : Real Estate (1 flat ~ 1.2 Cr current value & 2 plots around 1 Cr) Mutual Funds - total value 15 lakhs Already Kept Emergency fund - 12 months multiplied by monthly expense Have avoided any sorts of loans Have Kept Term Insurance and Private Health Insurance As well. Am targeting a corpus of 5 Cr by age 50. My Current SIP spend is 35k per month under below plans ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Kotak Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth (Erstwhile Kotak Mid-Cap) Navi Nifty 50 Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Tata Digital India Fund Direct Plan Growth quant Active Fund - Direct Plan quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan quant Mid Cap Fund - Direct Plan Few 1 time lump sum mutual funds (unfortunately regular plan due to my relative who acted like an agent) Mirrae asset great consumer fund Tata Midcap Growth fund Mirrae Asset large and midcap fund Need help in this portfolio review if anything needs to be tweaked or any other suggestions to help reach my goal
Ans: Portfolio Overview
You have an impressive portfolio. Your assets include real estate and mutual funds. Your emergency fund is well-managed. No loans and adequate insurance add to your financial stability. You're targeting a corpus of Rs 5 crores by age 50. Let's evaluate your current investments and provide suggestions to reach your goal.

Current SIP Investments
ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth
Kotak Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth
Navi Nifty 50 Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth
PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund - Direct Plan - Growth
Tata Digital India Fund - Direct Plan - Growth
quant Active Fund - Direct Plan
quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan
quant Mid Cap Fund - Direct Plan
Current Lump Sum Investments
Mirae Asset Great Consumer Fund
Tata Midcap Growth Fund
Mirae Asset Large and Midcap Fund
Review of Index Funds
Index funds like ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 and Navi Nifty 50 Index Fund track market indices. They lack flexibility. Active funds can outperform by selecting better-performing stocks.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Active funds, managed by experts, can adapt to market changes. They have the potential to outperform indices. Funds like Kotak Small Cap and PGIM India Midcap Opportunities are examples of well-managed active funds.

Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
Regular funds come with the benefit of professional advice. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help in making informed decisions. CFPs can guide on fund selection and portfolio balancing.

Portfolio Tweaks and Suggestions
Replace Index Funds: Shift from index funds to actively managed funds for better returns. Consider funds with a consistent performance record.

Diversify Across Asset Classes: Ensure your portfolio has a good mix of equity, debt, and gold. This helps in risk management.

Review Small Cap Exposure: Small cap funds are high-risk, high-return. Ensure they align with your risk tolerance.

Increase SIP Amount: If possible, increase your SIP amount gradually. This will help in compounding your investments.

Monitor Fund Performance: Regularly review the performance of your funds. Exit underperforming funds and switch to better options.

Additional Considerations
Rebalance Your Portfolio: Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Tax Planning: Utilize ELSS funds for tax-saving under Section 80C.

Emergency Fund: Ensure your emergency fund remains adequate as your expenses increase over time.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is robust, with a good mix of assets. Shifting from index funds to actively managed funds can enhance returns. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay on track. Increasing your SIP amount and diversifying across asset classes will also help in achieving your Rs 5 crore target by age 50.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 21, 2024

Money
Hi, I am 33y & my wife 31y. We have been investing 50K (25% of total take home) monthly into MF, Direct Equity and US ETF. Current MF portfolio - 7 Lakhs and doing SIP of 40K direct as below HDFC SENSEX INDEX FUND - 14K CANARA ROBECO SMALL CAP - 10K AXIS GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES - 4K PARAG PARIKH FLEXI CAP - 10K QUANT ELSS - 2K And US 500 ETF SIP - 1500 Also, Stock portfolio 4.5 Lakhs + 8500 in basket of stocks every month. My queries are: Whether I should continue with Sensex index or start Nifty 50 index fund. Will I be able to achieve corpus for my kid(4y) education and my retirement at age 55 considering current expenses of 1Lakh per month. Do I have to diversify into other funds(mid cap or multi cap) We both have individual term plans but dependent on corporate health covers. Is that fine? We don't like PPF, LIC, FD etc. However, 8700 per month of employer NPS and 50K additional we have opted recently. Is that enough at 60. Please suggest.
Ans: You have been consistently investing Rs. 50,000 monthly, which is 25% of your total take-home pay. This is commendable as it reflects discipline and a strong commitment to securing your financial future. Your mutual fund portfolio currently stands at Rs. 7 lakhs, and you are investing Rs. 40,000 through SIPs in various funds. Additionally, you have a stock portfolio worth Rs. 4.5 lakhs and invest Rs. 8,500 monthly in a basket of stocks.

Your allocation into different asset classes like mutual funds, direct equity, and US ETFs shows a diversified approach, which is generally positive. However, there are areas where optimization can further enhance your long-term financial outcomes.

Direct Equity and US ETFs

Investing directly in stocks can provide higher returns but comes with higher risk. It requires constant monitoring and a good understanding of the market. The US ETF investment adds geographical diversification, which is good, but investing directly in a US ETF involves currency risk and other geopolitical factors that can impact returns.

Potential Areas for Improvement

Index Funds vs. Actively Managed Funds: Investing in index funds like Sensex or Nifty 50 provides lower-cost exposure to the market, but it often underperforms actively managed funds in the long run. Actively managed funds, especially those managed by experienced fund managers, have the potential to outperform the market, particularly in emerging economies like India. By opting for actively managed funds through a certified financial planner, you could leverage their expertise and potentially achieve better returns.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds: Direct funds, while lower in expense ratios, lack the personalized advice that regular funds offer through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials. A CFP can provide guidance tailored to your specific financial situation, ensuring your investments align with your goals. Regular funds come with the added advantage of ongoing support and strategic adjustments, which can significantly impact your portfolio's performance over time.

Corpus for Child’s Education and Retirement
Planning for Child’s Education

Your child is currently 4 years old, and you have around 14-15 years before they will need funds for higher education. The cost of education is rising rapidly, and it’s important to plan early. You are already investing in equity-oriented instruments, which are well-suited for long-term goals like education. However, considering the rising cost of education, you might want to increase your allocation to instruments specifically aimed at education planning.

Goal-Oriented Investment: Consider creating a separate investment portfolio dedicated to your child’s education. This could include a mix of diversified equity funds, child education plans, and balanced funds that provide growth potential along with some level of safety as you approach the time of need.

Regular Reviews: Periodically review this portfolio to ensure it is on track to meet the expected cost of education, adjusting the investment amount or choice of funds as necessary.

Planning for Retirement at Age 55

Retiring at 55 is an ambitious goal, especially with current expenses of Rs. 1 lakh per month. To maintain your lifestyle post-retirement, considering inflation, you will need a substantial corpus.

Assessing the Required Corpus: Without diving into complex calculations, it's crucial to understand that the corpus required at age 55 will be significantly higher due to inflation. Your current investments and savings need to be aligned to accumulate a sufficient corpus to last through your retirement years.

NPS and Additional Contributions: The Rs. 8,700 per month from employer contributions to NPS and an additional Rs. 50,000 are good steps towards building a retirement corpus. However, given your early retirement goal, these may not be sufficient. Consider increasing your contributions or supplementing your NPS with other long-term investments like balanced advantage funds or multi-asset funds that can provide both growth and stability.

Diversification for Stability and Growth: While you have a significant equity exposure, which is beneficial for growth, consider diversifying into funds that provide stability as you near retirement. This can include balanced funds, hybrid funds, or even debt funds that provide a cushion against market volatility.

Diversification into Other Funds
Need for Mid Cap and Multi Cap Funds

Your current SIPs include a mix of large-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds. While this provides a degree of diversification, adding mid-cap and multi-cap funds could enhance your portfolio's potential for higher returns.

Mid Cap Funds: Mid-cap funds invest in companies that have the potential for higher growth than large caps but are less risky than small caps. They can offer a good balance between risk and reward, making them an essential part of a well-diversified portfolio.

Multi Cap Funds: Multi-cap funds invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, providing a diversified exposure to the market. This flexibility allows fund managers to adjust the portfolio according to market conditions, potentially offering better returns over the long term.

Regular Portfolio Review: It’s crucial to regularly review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals. As you approach retirement, your risk tolerance will decrease, and a CFP can help adjust your portfolio accordingly.

Health and Term Insurance Evaluation
Reliance on Corporate Health Covers

You mentioned that both of you are dependent on corporate health covers, which is a common practice. However, relying solely on employer-provided health insurance can be risky, especially if you switch jobs or if your employer reduces the coverage.

Importance of Personal Health Insurance: Consider purchasing a separate health insurance policy for yourself and your family. This will provide continued coverage regardless of employment status and ensure that your family is protected in case of medical emergencies.

Term Insurance Adequacy: You both have individual term plans, which is a good move. Term insurance provides financial security to your family in case of an untimely demise. Ensure that the coverage is adequate to cover your family’s needs, including living expenses, education costs, and liabilities.

Critical Illness Coverage: Consider adding a critical illness rider to your term insurance policy. This will provide a lump sum amount in case of diagnosis of severe illnesses, which can help cover medical expenses and loss of income during treatment.

Conclusion
Final Insights

Your current investment strategy is well-thought-out, and you are on the right track to achieving your financial goals. However, a few adjustments and diversifications can optimize your portfolio further.

Shift from Index to Actively Managed Funds: Consider moving from index funds to actively managed funds through a CFP. This can help achieve better returns over the long term.

Increase NPS Contributions: While your current NPS contributions are a good start, increasing them could better secure your retirement, especially given your early retirement goal.

Diversify Further: Introduce mid-cap and multi-cap funds to your portfolio for better diversification and growth potential.

Review Insurance: Invest in personal health insurance and ensure your term insurance coverage is adequate.

Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner will help you stay on track and make informed decisions as your financial situation evolves.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 13, 2025
Money
Hi, I am 35 years old. I am married and have 2 kids. I have 30L in mutual funds spread across Quant ELSS (9L), Quant Multi Asset (5L), ICICI Pru Equity &Debt (7L), and Kotak Debt fund (5L). Remaining is spread across small and midcap funds. I have 30L in PPF and 4L in NPS (started in 2023). I have a monthly SIP of 40k, and a house loan with 25L outstanding. Further, have 10L in LIC and 1.5cr worth Term insurance (fully paid for). My first house is self occupied and 2nd can fetch a rent of 30k in a few months time. How much corpus can I aim for if I continue investment till 55 years (unsure of job continuity in IT sector). Both my kids are daughters and their education could be significant expense going by the fees hikes (6yrs and 2 yrs). Please guide me. Also, do you help plan portfolio, and if so, how can I hire you please?
Ans: You’ve built a strong foundation already. You’ve spread your assets wisely across mutual funds, PPF, NPS, and insurance. Your awareness of job uncertainty in the IT sector, along with your responsibilities towards two young daughters, shows a clear mindset.

Let us now assess your current position, future goal feasibility, and scope for betterment — step-by-step — from a Certified Financial Planner perspective.

Present Financial Strength – A Quick Snapshot
You have Rs. 30 lakhs in mutual funds.

Your funds are spread across ELSS, multi-asset, equity & debt, small and midcaps.

Rs. 30 lakhs is invested in PPF — this is tax-free and risk-free.

NPS corpus is Rs. 4 lakhs — still new, but growing steadily.

Monthly SIP is Rs. 40,000 — that is strong and consistent investing.

You have a house loan with Rs. 25 lakhs balance — manageable if income stays stable.

LIC worth Rs. 10 lakhs — traditional policies often offer low returns.

You hold a paid-up Rs. 1.5 crore term insurance — excellent move.

You expect Rs. 30,000 monthly rent soon — this adds passive income.

Age is 35 — you have 20 years till age 55. Good time frame to build corpus.

Two daughters aged 6 and 2 — education and marriage are major goals.

Strengths in Your Portfolio
Your SIP amount is Rs. 40,000 monthly. This builds discipline and long-term wealth.

You have well-diversified mutual fund holdings across asset classes.

PPF gives you a solid debt component and future tax-free maturity.

NPS is also building retirement support, although partially taxable.

Term insurance is enough to protect family in case of risk to life.

LIC is traditional. But if it’s an endowment or money-back, consider surrendering.

Second house rental of Rs. 30,000 adds safety buffer for job loss or added SIP.

Areas That Need Adjustment
LIC returns are often around 4%-5% post tax. That’s too low for long term growth.

If the LIC is investment-linked (not term), consider surrendering and reinvesting.

Rs. 4 lakh in NPS is too low now. You may step it up gradually to get 80CCD(1B) benefit.

Rs. 30 lakh mutual funds across too many schemes may lead to overlap.

Too much exposure to small and midcap can add volatility.

There’s no clarity if these mutual funds are regular or direct. If direct, switch.

Always invest through Certified Financial Planner via MFD in regular plans.

Direct plans lack personal review. They miss risk assessment, goal matching and timing.

Regular plans through a CFP bring monitoring, timely rebalancing, and behavioural coaching.

Index funds are not suggested — they follow markets blindly.

Active funds, managed by experts, help during market corrections and give better long-term returns.

Asset allocation, risk profiling, and rebalancing are not possible in index funds.

Future Goal Planning — With 360° View
Education of Both Daughters
Your first daughter is 6 years now.

She will enter graduation in 10-12 years. Expenses may be around Rs. 50-60 lakhs or more.

Your second daughter is 2 now. Her education will peak after 14-16 years.

You need to earmark Rs. 1 crore or more combined, for both higher education.

This will rise with inflation. Education cost doubles every 8-9 years.

Start two separate SIPs of Rs. 10,000 each. One for each daughter.

Assign suitable mutual funds with proper time horizon and risk appetite.

PPF for children is helpful but may not beat inflation alone.

So mix equity and hybrid mutual funds for education. Keep reviewing every 2-3 years.

As you near the goal, shift to safer debt funds to avoid market shocks.

Daughter’s Marriage Goal
Marriage is an emotional goal. Many parents want to give their daughters best.

You may need Rs. 40-50 lakhs for each daughter in 20-25 years.

Do not compromise your retirement for this.

Keep a separate SIP for each marriage goal. Can start with Rs. 5,000 monthly per daughter.

Increase SIPs every year by 10%-15% to beat inflation.

Use mix of large and multi cap funds for long-term wealth here.

Retirement Planning — Age 55 Dream
You want to retire at 55. You are 35 now. That gives 20 years.

After that, you may live another 30 years or more. That needs a big retirement corpus.

Currently, you have Rs. 30L in mutual funds, Rs. 30L in PPF, Rs. 4L in NPS.

Your SIP is Rs. 40,000 monthly — which can grow well in 20 years.

However, remember that kids’ education and marriage will take away part of this wealth.

Hence, you must do retirement planning separately.

At least Rs. 15,000 of your SIP should be marked only for retirement.

Increase this every year by 10%-15%. Your income will also rise.

PPF and NPS are supportive, but equity mutual funds will be main engine.

Don’t depend only on PPF. Real return after inflation is very low.

Avoid mixing emergency corpus and retirement corpus.

Rental income is welcome, but don’t consider it main retirement source.

Property maintenance, tenant risk, vacancy are issues in old age.

Better to have SWP from mutual funds post 55 for monthly income.

Shift lump sum from ELSS, mid cap, etc. to balanced or hybrid funds post 50.

Use retirement calculator every 2 years to track your goal value and SIP adequacy.

Emergency Fund and Home Loan Handling
You have Rs. 25L outstanding on home loan.

If interest rate is above 8.5%, try part-prepay it using excess cash.

But don’t rush to close home loan by using your PPF or SIP.

Keep 6-9 months of expenses in liquid or ultra-short debt fund.

Rental income of Rs. 30,000 per month can partly cover EMI.

Once rent starts, you can divert your savings more towards retirement.

What Can Be Your Corpus by Age 55?
You already have Rs. 30L in MFs, Rs. 30L in PPF, Rs. 4L in NPS.

With Rs. 40,000 SIP and increase every year, and 20-year horizon, good wealth is possible.

If you invest consistently and increase SIPs by 10% yearly:

You may reach Rs. 3.5 Cr to Rs. 4 Cr in mutual fund corpus by 55.

PPF corpus may become Rs. 75-90 lakhs.

NPS can grow to Rs. 40-50 lakhs.

Total retirement corpus may touch Rs. 5.5 Cr to Rs. 6 Cr range.

This is possible only if kids’ goals are separately planned.

If kids’ education and marriage costs are pulled from the same corpus, it reduces to Rs. 3.5 Cr.

That is not enough for 30-year retirement.

Hence, separate SIPs for education, marriage, and retirement is must.

Actionable Steps To Take Now
Surrender the LIC policy if it is not term-based. Reinvest amount in mutual funds.

Classify mutual funds into three buckets — education, marriage, retirement.

Separate SIP for each. Increase every year.

Don’t hold too many funds. 6-8 well chosen funds are enough.

Prefer regular funds through MFD guided by CFP, not direct funds.

Direct funds lack human rebalancing, emotional coaching, and proper risk alignment.

Don’t invest more in real estate now. Maintenance and liquidity are issues.

Review your asset allocation yearly. Keep 60:40 ratio equity:debt for long term.

Use tax-loss harvesting every March to manage mutual fund capital gains.

Follow the new MF tax rules:

  - Equity LTCG above Rs. 1.25L taxed at 12.5%

  - Equity STCG taxed at 20%

  - Debt funds fully taxed as per your slab.

Assign nominees to all accounts. Digitise your financial records.

Make a will and power of attorney. It secures your family’s future.

And lastly, review all goals with your Certified Financial Planner every 12 months.

Finally
You’re on a good path. But your goals are heavy and time-bound. Your SIP and assets can support your dreams — only if each rupee is purpose-tagged and regularly reviewed.

Don’t mix goals. Assign each investment with a future outcome. Match time, risk, and return.

Surrender slow-moving products like LIC and switch to active funds.

Avoid direct plans, index funds, or annuities. They look cheap, but they cost you in the long run.

You have time, energy, and discipline. Combine that with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.

Yes, we offer complete portfolio review, SIP guidance, and goal-based financial planning.

We also support you in mutual fund implementation via MFD route. All investments are mapped, monitored, and rebalanced periodically.

You can connect with our team anytime from the website link below in the signature.

Let’s shape your dreams into reality — one step, one SIP, one strategy at a time.



Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 10, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, my name is Rahul, and I am from Mumbai I need some financial advice. I am 35 years old, married and having one son (6yr) My financial conditions as as below : working at MNC, having CTC of 28LPA my in hand salary is 1,17,000 PM (I have annual variable(6L) and monthly allowance for the rest of amount) my current investment and SIPs are : Blackrock flexi cap - 6K monthly BOI small cap - 2K monthly SBI blue chip - 1K SBI magnum midcap - 1K axis smallcap - 2K axis midcap and large cap - 1K axis growth opportunity - 1k (all SIPs holding at the moment is around 8L) and BOI ELSS fund, one time - 60K.. now increased to 1L I have bought house and car which has below monthly emi's Homeloan - 48K for 20 years car loan - 10500 for 5 years my wife is also working in small company but her salary less and mostly covers our outings and other small expenses. I have also two LIC policies running, yearly 40K.. will mature in 15 years My parents are living in my home town, we have farm land 5 acre, which my father look after.. there as well we have home constructed by father I can continue this SIPs till my retirement and will increase them as well yearly. . I want to retire with corpus of 8-10 Cr.. is this good strategy which I am following, will this corpus achievable by retirement? can you guide me
Ans: At 35, your financial life is moving in the right direction. You are earning well, investing consistently, and already thinking about your retirement. That forward-thinking attitude will create a big difference over time. Your plan has many positive aspects, but it can be fine-tuned further to make your Rs 8–10 crore goal more achievable.

Let’s assess your situation step by step and build a clear path for your financial growth.

» Your Current Position

– You have started early, which gives you enough time to build wealth.
– Having multiple SIPs across fund categories is a strong foundation.
– Buying your own house and car at this stage shows responsible financial planning.
– Managing family needs and parents’ support adds stability to your financial life.
– The intention to increase SIPs every year shows discipline and long-term focus.

Your direction is right. Now it’s about improving structure and efficiency in your financial plan.

» Understanding Your Income and Cash Flow

– Your CTC of Rs 28 lakh is a strong base for future savings.
– With Rs 1,17,000 in-hand salary and additional variable pay and allowances, you have flexibility.
– The current loan EMIs (Rs 48,000 home + Rs 10,500 car) take about 50% of your monthly income.
– Remaining cash is used for household, child’s needs, and SIPs.

You are managing your cash flow well, but there is room to increase long-term savings once debts reduce.

» Assessing Your Investment Portfolio

Your SIPs in multiple mutual funds total around Rs 14,000 per month. That’s a good beginning.
However, diversification and fund overlap should be reviewed carefully.

– Too many small SIPs can cause duplication in fund holdings.
– Focus on fewer but well-managed diversified funds.
– Ensure your portfolio covers large cap, flexi cap, and mid cap categories.
– Limit small cap exposure to 15–20% of total SIPs to control volatility.
– Continue ELSS investment for tax-saving and equity growth.

A structured portfolio gives better long-term consistency and easier review.

» Why Regular Mutual Funds Are Better Than Direct Funds

Many investors prefer direct funds thinking they save cost. But that’s not always true in the long run.

– Direct funds put all responsibility on you — fund selection, tracking, and rebalancing.
– Most investors skip periodic reviews, which causes missed opportunities or higher risk.
– Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner and MFD give continuous support.
– The cost difference is very small compared to the benefits of professional monitoring.
– Guidance helps in switching from poor performers and aligning goals effectively.

So, it’s better to continue investing through regular plans under a Certified Financial Planner.

» Evaluating Your Goals

You have a clear retirement target of Rs 8–10 crore. That is achievable with the right strategy.
You also have family responsibilities — home loan, car loan, child’s education, and long-term security.

– Retirement goal needs at least 25–30 years of focused investing.
– Education and family protection need short and medium-term planning.
– Your current savings rate is good but can improve with annual increments and bonus planning.

Keeping each goal separate will give clarity and better control over progress.

» Loan Management and Debt Planning

Loans are necessary but should not block your savings.

– Your home loan of Rs 48,000 EMI is long-term. Don’t rush to prepay unless interest is too high.
– Instead, continue EMIs and invest more in mutual funds for higher long-term return.
– Your car loan of Rs 10,500 is short-term. Once it’s closed, redirect that EMI to SIPs.
– Avoid taking new loans unless it’s essential.

This balance ensures liquidity and wealth growth together.

» Review of LIC Policies

You mentioned two LIC policies with annual premium of Rs 40,000.
These traditional plans usually give low returns around 5–6%.

– They mix insurance and investment, which reduces wealth growth.
– It is better to separate protection and investment.
– Consider surrendering these policies (after checking surrender value) and reinvest proceeds in mutual funds.
– Take a pure term insurance plan separately for family protection.

This shift can help you earn higher long-term returns and ensure proper coverage.

» Building a Strong Insurance Cover

Family protection is the backbone of every financial plan.

– You should have term life insurance equal to 10–12 times your annual income.
– This will ensure your wife and child are secure if anything happens to you.
– Your wife should also have a smaller term cover if she contributes to income.
– Take a family floater health insurance of at least Rs 10–15 lakh.
– Add top-up cover to reduce medical risk.

Insurance is not investment. It’s your family’s financial shield.

» Emergency Fund Preparation

Every family must have a safety net for unexpected situations.

– Keep 6–8 months of total expenses as an emergency fund.
– Use liquid or ultra-short-term debt funds for this purpose.
– Do not mix it with your investment or use fixed deposits.
– Review it once every year and top it up as expenses increase.

This ensures peace of mind and prevents breaking long-term investments.

» Increasing Your SIPs Gradually

Your current SIPs are good, but they need to grow with income.

– Increase SIP amount by at least 10–15% every year.
– Redirect any bonus or variable pay into additional SIPs.
– Once car loan ends, use that EMI for SIP top-up.
– Use goal-based SIPs — separate ones for retirement, child’s education, and wealth creation.

This small yearly increase will multiply your corpus significantly over time.

» Asset Allocation Strategy

Your portfolio should balance growth and stability.

– Keep 70% in equity mutual funds for long-term goals.
– Keep 20–25% in debt mutual funds or PF for stability.
– Keep 5–10% in liquid funds for short-term needs.
– Avoid new fixed deposits as post-tax returns are low.
– Debt funds provide better flexibility and higher tax efficiency.

A right asset mix controls risk and keeps returns consistent across market cycles.

» Disadvantages of Index Funds Compared to Active Funds

Some investors shift to index funds thinking they perform better.
But for long-term wealth building, actively managed funds still hold an edge.

– Index funds just copy the market; they can’t protect during market fall.
– They don’t have flexibility to change sector allocation when economy changes.
– Active funds can move to defensive sectors and manage risk better.
– Skilled fund managers can identify emerging opportunities faster.
– For goals like retirement and child’s education, active management gives more stability.

Hence, it’s better to stay with quality actively managed funds rather than index-based investing.

» Child’s Education and Future Planning

Your son is 6 years old now. You have around 12–14 years before higher education starts.

– Create a separate SIP for education.
– Start with balanced or diversified equity mutual funds.
– As you near the goal, move funds to safer options 2 years before usage.
– Avoid using home equity or loans for education later.
– Early planning will keep you debt-free at that stage.

This ensures your child’s education is fully funded without affecting retirement goals.

» Tax Planning

Your income level requires efficient tax management.

– Continue ELSS funds for Section 80C deduction.
– Claim home loan principal and interest benefits.
– Use health insurance premium for Section 80D.
– Contribute to Voluntary PF or NPS for long-term tax savings.
– Plan withdrawals from mutual funds strategically to reduce LTCG.

Proper tax planning keeps more money invested for your goals.

» Reviewing and Monitoring Investments

Market keeps changing, so regular review is important.

– Review portfolio performance every 6–12 months.
– Remove underperforming funds after consistent poor results.
– Keep track of changes in fund management or objective.
– Rebalance equity-debt ratio once a year.
– Don’t react to short-term market noise.

Review and discipline are more important than timing the market.

» Future Wealth Creation Possibility

With your current age and income, your Rs 8–10 crore target is realistic.

– If you keep increasing SIPs yearly and stay invested for 25 years, it is possible.
– Avoid early withdrawals unless it’s for planned goals.
– Keep your investments linked with long-term objectives.
– Continue disciplined approach even during market volatility.

Consistency and time are the biggest drivers of wealth, not timing.

» Lifestyle and Spending Control

You are managing family expenses well, but maintaining control will help savings grow faster.

– Avoid lifestyle inflation when income increases.
– Keep a monthly budget and track discretionary spends.
– Try to save at least 30–35% of total monthly inflow.
– Use your wife’s income for family leisure and small goals, as you already do.

Small saving habits compound into big wealth over years.

» Retirement Planning Strategy

You are 35 now, and retirement may be around 58–60. You have over 20 years.

– Focus on equity exposure for first 15 years to grow faster.
– Gradually increase debt portion in last 5 years for safety.
– Build 2–3 years’ worth of expenses in liquid or debt funds before retirement.
– Post-retirement, you can set up Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) from mutual funds for monthly income.
– Avoid keeping large idle funds in savings account after retirement.

This structured approach can maintain your lifestyle even after work stops.

» Handling Farm Property and Family Assets

Your family already owns farm land and a home in native place.

– Treat it as a legacy or optional asset, not primary investment.
– Do not depend on it for future retirement needs.
– If it gives income later, treat it as bonus support.
– Continue maintaining it for your parents’ comfort.

Financial independence should come from financial assets, not land or property.

» Finally

Rahul, your financial base is strong. You are investing with purpose, managing debt, and planning early. By increasing SIPs every year, restructuring low-yield LIC policies, and keeping asset allocation balanced, your Rs 8–10 crore retirement goal is achievable.

Continue your discipline, avoid unnecessary loans, and review investments regularly. Over time, your money will start working harder than you.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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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

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
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

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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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