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Jinal

Jinal Mehta  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 24, 2024

Jinal Mehta is a qualified certified financial professional certified by FPSB India. She has 10 years of experience in the field of personal finance.
She is the founder of Beyond Learning Finance, an authorised education provider for the CFP certification programme in India.
In addition, she manages a family office organisation, where she handles investment planning, tax planning, insurance planning and estate planning.
Jinal has a bachelor's degree in management studies. She also has a diploma in in financial management from NMIMS, Mumbai.
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Asked by Anonymous - Jun 23, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am 36 yr old working in semi IT, currently my in hand is 1.5 lakh/month and have a new born baby. Till now have just invested 50 k in PPF, 2 lakh current balance in shares, 50 K in NPS. No other investments, but I want to start investing atleast 50 k/month for my child. I will be working till the age of 60 can anyone please suggest how to accumulate 5 to 10 CR till I reach 60, also considering child education funds in between. 1 lakh amount from salary i have kept it for daily expenses, for child expenses etc. if required I can take out some amount from this for investment.

Ans: I cannot suggest with this limited information. I need to know the tenure, current investment values, goals, risk profile to evaluate your situation and recommend.
Asked on - Jun 24, 2024 | Not Answered yet
Hello Mam, I am not getting the question either. I am not sure what tenure i will have to share. Current investments I have already mentioned in my question. 2 things I have missed out I have a home worth 45 lakh (no loans I have repaid it) and 1 term insurance policy worth 1 CR. I want to accumulate 5 to 10 CR for my child, I can invest 50 k/month I am not sure where to invest and how exactly to achieve this goal. My baby is just 1 month old. Other details are mentioned in 1st question. Hope you will be able to guide me futher. TIA
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 06, 2024Hindi
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I am a 38 year old working woman with a toddler and aged mom to look after. Current income is around 15lac per annum and m living in metro city. Currently I have around 10lac as savings. I want to invest the same for the future of my kid and myself.I have started SSY child, PPF and NPS too. plz suggest good way of investing the above said amount.
Ans: Given your current situation and financial goals, here's a suggested approach to investing your savings:

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have a sufficient emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of your expenses. This fund should be easily accessible in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Child's Future: Continue contributing to the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) for your child's future education and other needs. Additionally, consider investing in other child-specific investment options like education savings plans or mutual funds.

Retirement Planning: Continue contributing to the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Pension System (NPS) for your retirement. Both provide tax benefits and long-term savings opportunities. Ensure you are allocating appropriate amounts to these accounts based on your retirement goals and risk tolerance.

Wealth Creation: With the remaining savings, consider investing in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds. Allocate funds across various categories like large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and balanced funds based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio as needed to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Insurance: Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage for yourself and your family members to provide financial security in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Estate Planning: Consider consulting with a financial advisor or estate planner to create a comprehensive estate plan that addresses your specific needs and ensures the smooth transfer of assets to your beneficiaries.

Remember to regularly review your financial plan and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your life circumstances, financial goals, and market conditions. It's also advisable to seek professional financial advice to optimize your investment strategy and achieve your long-term financial objectives.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 18, 2024Hindi
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I am 43 years old working in IT company.i have 3 years daughter.currenyI earn 1.2 lakhs per year.Currently i have total invest in mf and stocks approx 70 lakhs.I have 2 lakhs in NPS and 3 lakhs in liquid fund for emergency purpose.i am investing monthly 50 lakha in mf and 20 lakha in stocks.My goal is accumulate 7 cr at the age of 60 years.i am planning to retire at the age of 52 and so something else till 60.can you help where i am in right direction in in my investment or not
Ans: Your commitment to securing your financial future is commendable, especially considering your responsibilities as a parent and your aspirations for early retirement. Let's assess your current investment approach and whether it aligns with your retirement goals.

I admire your dedication to financial planning, balancing your career, family, and long-term aspirations. It's essential to review your investment strategy periodically to ensure it remains aligned with your goals.

Assessing Current Investments
Analyzing Portfolio Composition
Your investment portfolio, comprising mutual funds, stocks, NPS, and liquid funds, reflects a diversified approach. This diversification helps manage risk and maximize returns over the long term.

Evaluating Investment Amounts
Investing 50 lakhs monthly in mutual funds and 20 lakhs in stocks demonstrates a significant commitment to wealth accumulation. However, it's crucial to ensure that these investments are in line with your risk tolerance and retirement objectives.

Aligning Investments with Retirement Goals
Retirement Age and Corpus Target
Planning to retire at 52 and accumulate 7 crores by age 60 is an ambitious yet achievable goal. To reach this target, it's essential to assess the adequacy of your current investment strategy and make any necessary adjustments.

Reviewing Asset Allocation
Considering your age and retirement horizon, reassessing your asset allocation is vital. Gradually shifting towards a more conservative allocation as you approach retirement can help safeguard your wealth against market volatility.

Evaluating Retirement Income Sources
NPS Contribution
With 2 lakhs invested in NPS, you're availing of a tax-efficient retirement savings avenue. Ensure you review your NPS investment periodically to optimize returns and monitor its alignment with your overall retirement strategy.

Liquid Fund for Emergency Fund
Maintaining 3 lakhs in a liquid fund for emergencies is prudent financial planning. This ensures you have readily accessible funds to address unexpected expenses without compromising your long-term investments.

Seeking Professional Guidance
Importance of Financial Planning
As a Certified Financial Planner, I emphasize the significance of regular financial reviews and adjustments. Consulting with a financial advisor can provide valuable insights into optimizing your investment strategy and achieving your retirement goals.

Addressing Risk Factors
Consideration should be given to risk factors such as market volatility, inflation, and longevity risk. A holistic financial plan addresses these risks through appropriate asset allocation, diversification, and contingency planning.

Conclusion
While your current investment strategy demonstrates diligence and foresight, periodic reviews and adjustments are essential to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement objectives. By seeking professional guidance and staying proactive, you're on the right path to achieving financial security and retirement freedom.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 14, 2024

Money
Hello, I'm a 46 year old , unable to work anymore, I have no loans, own house,wife is the earning member. My investments are : Running investments: Pension Plan with fund value of 42 lakhs(current fund value) till 2037, Equity Mutual fund with fund value of 12 lakhs( Current fund value). Yearly investment emi of 1.20 lakh Monthly expenditure of 25 k Monthly rental income of 8k NO PPF Bank Balance of 26 lakh. Want to invest 10 -15 lakh to earn a sizeable corpus ( say 1 cr) in next 18 years for my child when he will become an adult, in addition to a 50 k monthly income in next 2-3 years Can you kindly guide me as to what investments I should be doing to achieve this target
Ans: You have provided valuable details about your financial situation. Let’s analyse your current standing and future goals.

Age: 46 years old
Running Investments:
Pension Plan with a current fund value of Rs 42 lakhs (maturing in 2037).
Equity Mutual Fund with a current fund value of Rs 12 lakhs.
Income & Expenditure:
Monthly rental income of Rs 8,000.
Monthly expenditure of Rs 25,000.
Yearly EMI of Rs 1.2 lakh for ongoing investments.
Savings: Bank balance of Rs 26 lakhs.
Investment Goals:
You want to invest Rs 10-15 lakh to build a corpus of Rs 1 crore in 18 years for your child.
You also need a monthly income of Rs 50,000 in the next 2-3 years.
Given these goals, let’s discuss how you can achieve them.

Income Generation for Monthly Needs (Rs 50,000)
To achieve a monthly income of Rs 50,000 in the next 2-3 years, we need to explore investment options that can generate consistent returns.

Rental Income: You already have Rs 8,000 coming in monthly. This helps reduce your income requirement.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan from your mutual funds could be useful.
You can park part of your Rs 26 lakh bank balance into a debt-oriented hybrid mutual fund.
These funds provide stability with moderate returns.
You can withdraw monthly amounts through SWP to meet your requirement.
Based on the fund's performance, you can plan to withdraw around Rs 42,000 per month to reach your target of Rs 50,000 (including Rs 8,000 from rent).
This option allows you to use your capital effectively while keeping it invested for moderate growth.

Fixed Income Options:

You may also consider some amount in fixed deposits or high-interest-bearing savings instruments.
However, they are taxed as per your income tax slab, so this may reduce post-tax returns.
Combining these with SWP ensures liquidity and some level of fixed returns.
This way, your immediate income needs can be met, keeping your capital intact.

Investment Plan for Building Rs 1 Crore for Child's Future
You aim to build Rs 1 crore in 18 years for your child. The best way to achieve this is through equity-based investments, as they tend to offer the highest long-term growth.

Equity Mutual Funds:

For long-term goals like 18 years, equity mutual funds are the most suitable.
Your existing equity mutual funds of Rs 12 lakh can continue to grow.
You can also invest Rs 10-15 lakh from your bank balance into diversified equity funds.
Actively managed equity mutual funds generally perform better over a long period compared to passive index funds, which often lack flexibility in changing market conditions.
It’s crucial to focus on mid-cap and small-cap funds as they have higher growth potential over an 18-year period.
Regular vs Direct Funds:

You might have heard about direct mutual funds, which have lower fees.
However, direct plans require deep market understanding and regular monitoring.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who works with an MFD can help you manage your portfolio professionally, ensuring that your investments are regularly rebalanced to match market changes.
Regular plans, managed by CFPs, provide professional guidance, making them a better choice for individuals who do not want the stress of tracking every detail.
SIP for Consistent Growth:

You can start a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) of Rs 50,000 monthly.
This amount will steadily build wealth over 18 years.
By investing Rs 50,000 a month in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, you stand a good chance of achieving your target of Rs 1 crore.
A professional MFD working with a CFP can help you select funds based on your risk profile and growth expectations.
Review of Existing Pension Plan
Your pension plan with a current fund value of Rs 42 lakhs is a significant part of your retirement portfolio.

Performance Review:
It is crucial to review the performance of this pension plan periodically.
Ensure that it continues to give reasonable returns, as you have 13 more years until it matures.
Often, these plans have high charges and lower returns compared to equity mutual funds. You should evaluate if it makes sense to continue with this investment or switch to something more productive.
If the returns are lower than expected, you may want to consider redirecting future premiums into better-performing mutual funds.
Tax Implications on Your Investments
Understanding tax liabilities is essential for maximising your returns.

Capital Gains Tax on Mutual Funds:

For equity mutual funds, LTCG (Long-Term Capital Gains) above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) on equity mutual funds are taxed at 20%.
For debt mutual funds, LTCG and STCG are taxed according to your income tax slab.
You should consult with your CFP to ensure that your withdrawals and investments are done in the most tax-efficient manner.
Tax on Rental Income:

The Rs 8,000 monthly rental income is also taxable.
Ensure you factor this into your annual tax planning.
By optimising tax strategies, you can maximise your returns while keeping your liabilities low.

Contingency and Emergency Fund
While investing for long-term goals, don’t overlook short-term financial safety.

Emergency Fund:
Out of your Rs 26 lakh bank balance, set aside at least Rs 4-5 lakh as an emergency fund.
This will help you manage any unforeseen expenses without disturbing your investments.
Keep this amount in a liquid or short-term debt fund for easy access.
Health Insurance:
Since your wife is the sole earning member now, ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage.
This will help safeguard your family’s finances in case of medical emergencies.
Revisit Your Financial Plan Regularly
It is essential to track your financial journey.

Review Performance:

Regularly review the performance of your mutual funds and pension plans.
Make adjustments based on market conditions and your changing life circumstances.
Stay on Track with Goals:

Ensure that you are consistently investing towards your Rs 1 crore goal.
Keep in touch with your CFP to monitor if you’re on track, and take corrective actions if required.
By actively managing your investments and reviewing your goals, you can ensure financial security for your family.

Finally
Your situation is unique, and your goals are achievable with a disciplined approach.

By combining equity mutual funds, SWPs, and systematic SIPs, you can grow your wealth and generate regular income. Balancing risk and return is essential to meet your child’s future needs and your immediate income requirements.

Keep your financial plan flexible, review it often, and stay committed to your goals.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 13, 2025
Money
Hi,my salary is one lakh in hand,I am 33 years old I have sip of 11000,ppf of 1.5 lakh annually and epfo deductions of 13000 monthly.My monthly expenses is rent-8500,food-10000,and other expenses 5000. My concern is how to increase investment as I m expecting a baby this year
Ans: You have shared useful details about your income, expenses, and current investments. This gives a strong foundation to plan effectively.

You are earning Rs. 1 lakh in hand. At age 33, expecting a baby, and already having SIPs, PPF, and EPF — your financial behaviour is responsible and consistent. Let’s evaluate step by step and offer a 360-degree plan.

Income and Expense Assessment
You have a net monthly income of Rs. 1 lakh.

Your expenses are:

Rent: Rs. 8,500

Food: Rs. 10,000

Other: Rs. 5,000

Total: Rs. 23,500

This leaves a monthly surplus of about Rs. 76,500.

Your monthly investment commitments:

SIP: Rs. 11,000

EPF: Rs. 13,000

PPF (annual): Rs. 1.5 lakh = Rs. 12,500 per month

Your total monthly investment is approx Rs. 36,500.

After investments and expenses, you still save about Rs. 40,000 each month. That’s a good position to be in.

Upcoming Life Stage: Baby in the Family
Welcoming a child is a blessing and also a financial responsibility. Your planning must now include the baby’s expenses.

Prepare for the following costs:

Delivery and hospital expenses

Medicines and vaccinations

Baby food and care products

Day care or nanny later

Insurance for child

Education planning

From your remaining Rs. 40,000 monthly surplus, set aside Rs. 10,000 in a separate savings account from now. Use it only for baby-related costs.

Emergency Fund Planning
Currently, your monthly expenses are about Rs. 23,500.

After the baby arrives, expenses will rise. Let’s estimate future monthly expenses at Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000.

You must have 6 months of this amount as emergency fund. That is about Rs. 2.4 lakh.

Build or maintain this in:

Sweep-in FD

High-interest savings account

Liquid mutual funds (regular plan through MFD with CFP)

Avoid keeping too much in hand or in low-interest accounts.

Insurance Protection First
Life Insurance:
Now that you are going to be a parent, life cover is urgent.
You must buy a term life plan of Rs. 1 crore at least.
Choose a plain term plan with no returns.
Don’t mix insurance and investment.

Health Insurance:
You and your spouse must have at least Rs. 5 lakh individual health cover.
A family floater policy for Rs. 10 lakh is also good to add.
Choose a plan with maternity and newborn cover if possible.

Also include critical illness cover for Rs. 10 to 15 lakh.

Optimise Existing Investments
You are already doing SIP of Rs. 11,000.
PPF investment of Rs. 1.5 lakh per year is also healthy.
EPF contribution of Rs. 13,000 monthly is strong.

These are good long-term habits. But let’s fine-tune:

Mutual Funds SIP

Make sure you are investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor who is also a Certified Financial Planner.

Don’t invest in direct plans yourself.

Direct funds may look cheaper but offer no guidance.

Regular plans through qualified experts offer better long-term results and monitoring.

Also, direct plans may lead to poor scheme selection and lack of review.

Prefer Actively Managed Funds

Index funds are not suitable for all.

Index funds follow the market blindly.

No flexibility in changing the stocks in bad times.

Actively managed funds have professional fund managers.

They shift between sectors based on market conditions.

This helps in reducing downside risk.

Talk to your mutual fund distributor and review your portfolio.
Make sure you are not overexposed to one category.
Have a mix of large cap, flexi cap, and hybrid funds.

Avoid too much in small cap or sector-specific funds right now.

Step-Up SIP Option
You may consider increasing your SIP with time.

Use Step-Up SIP option:

Increase SIP by Rs. 1,000 every 6 months.

Or increase Rs. 2,000 once a year.

This uses your future income growth to build wealth.

Save for Child’s Education
Start a separate investment bucket for this goal.
Time is on your side. You have 15 to 17 years.

Start small with Rs. 5,000 a month.
Use a child education goal-oriented fund or a combination of diversified equity and hybrid funds.

Again, invest through regular plan with a Certified Financial Planner.
Avoid ULIPs and child insurance policies — they have high charges and poor returns.

PPF is Good – But Use with Purpose
You are investing Rs. 1.5 lakh per year in PPF.
That’s fine if it is for:

Retirement

Partial use for child’s education

But don’t exceed this limit.
Returns are stable but not high.
It works best for fixed, long-term goals.

PPF has 15-year lock-in.
Liquidity is limited, though partial withdrawals are allowed after a few years.

Don’t stop it. But don’t expect it to fund all your goals.

Tax Planning
You are already investing in PPF and EPF.
Combined, they cover Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C.

If you need more deductions, check:

Health insurance under 80D

Term insurance premiums under 80C

NPS contribution under 80CCD(1B) (optional, if surplus remains)

Avoid ELSS funds if 80C is already full.
They are equity funds, better used for long-term goals instead of just tax saving.

Budget Adjustments Post Baby
After the baby’s arrival:

Expect expenses to rise by Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000

You may need to pause increase in SIPs

Keep insurance premiums up to date

Revisit your budget every 6 months

Be flexible but consistent.
Continue your SIPs even if other expenses rise.
Cut entertainment and non-essential spending if needed.

Child Future Goal Planning
Think in terms of three goals:

Short-term (baby’s early expenses)

Mid-term (schooling, extra-curriculars)

Long-term (higher education, marriage)

For long-term goals:

Continue SIPs for minimum 10 to 15 years

Avoid withdrawal unless really urgent

Add a goal-specific SIP portfolio

Avoid using real estate for these goals.
It blocks liquidity and has low yield.
Also not ideal during rising family responsibilities.

Retirement Planning Must Continue
Even though child planning becomes priority, don’t stop thinking about retirement.
Your EPF is strong, but won’t be enough.

Once you adjust to baby expenses, increase equity SIP slowly.
Retirement planning must not take a back seat.

Also consider starting a separate portfolio for retirement after 35.

Diversify with hybrid and multi-asset funds for risk control.

Debt Planning
Avoid any kind of debt now.
Personal loans, credit cards, BNPL — avoid all.
This phase is for saving, not borrowing.

If you have any EMIs now, prepay them slowly.
Try to stay debt-free during your child’s early years.

Final Insights
You are already doing many things right:

Regular SIP

EPF and PPF

Frugal spending

Now is the time to:

Add insurance cover

Start baby care fund

Begin child's education SIP

Keep a healthy emergency fund

Invest through regular plans with expert help.
Don’t go direct, it may hurt your goals.
Avoid index funds. Active funds are better for your situation.

Review everything every 6 months.
Update your financial plan as life changes.
Track investments with professional support, not DIY tools.

Be consistent, not perfect. That builds wealth over time.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 20, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, I am 35 years old and I am earning monthly in-hand of 64k, I am doing 3600 ok index MF and 1k for oppertunity MF, i have 2 life insurance which i pay one 4500 monthly and 50k per Annum, All expenses and loans are taken care by my spouse, I have 2 kids one is 9 years old and another is 2 years old I need corpus of 2 cr for my elder son and 2 cr for my younger son, apart from this i have 6 cents in town taken to sell in later future for my kids education, I can still invest 30k monthly for my kids future , can you please help me out where and how to invest strictly to achieve my target . Thanks in advance sir.
Ans: You are 35, earning Rs 64,000 monthly. You have two life insurance policies, two kids aged 9 and 2, and your spouse manages family expenses and loans. You aim to build Rs 2 crore corpus each for both kids. That is a total of Rs 4 crore. You can invest Rs 30,000 monthly toward this goal. You are also investing Rs 3,600 in an index fund and Rs 1,000 in an opportunity fund. You hold a 6 cent land as a backup.

Let’s now plan how to achieve your Rs 4 crore goal smartly and safely.

? Understanding Your Financial Goals

– You have two major education goals.
– Each child’s education needs Rs 2 crore.
– You have around 9 years for your elder child.
– You have around 16 years for your younger child.
– Rs 30,000 monthly investment is available for both goals.
– You also hold land as a future backup.

? Why Your Current Investments May Not Work

– You invest Rs 3,600 in an index fund.
– Index funds don’t suit goal-based investing.
– They follow the market without managing downside.
– They fall as much as the market during crisis.
– They offer no active decisions or risk control.
– For child education, you need less risk and more control.
– You also invest Rs 1,000 in an opportunity fund.
– That is too low to make any real impact.

? Disadvantages of Index Funds

– Index funds don’t protect capital in falling markets.
– They don’t rebalance between safer and growth assets.
– No fund manager actively manages risks.
– In a bad market, they can lose 30%–40%.
– You may panic and stop SIP.
– That puts your child’s future at risk.
– Goal-based investing needs active control.
– That comes only from actively managed funds.
– Stay away from index funds in education planning.

? Why Regular Plans Are Better than Direct Plans

– Direct mutual funds save commission.
– But they give no personalised support.
– You must track performance and do rebalancing alone.
– That is not easy when markets crash or underperform.
– Regular plans through MFD with CFP give guidance.
– A CFP gives discipline, tracking, and rebalancing support.
– For education goals, advice is more important than saving fees.
– A Certified Financial Planner is like a doctor for your goals.
– Don’t go direct unless you are a market expert.

? Assessing Your Insurance Policies

– You pay Rs 4,500 per month and Rs 50,000 per year.
– That is Rs 1.04 lakh per year in insurance.
– These are likely traditional endowment or moneyback plans.
– They give low returns of 4% to 5%.
– These plans also lock your money for long.
– If you have term insurance separately, you can surrender these.
– Use surrender proceeds to invest in mutual funds.
– If surrender value is low now, make it paid-up.
– Do not continue new premiums in these policies.
– Insurance is not investment. Keep both separate.

? Create Separate Portfolios for Each Child

– Elder child has 9 years.
– Younger child has 16 years.
– Don’t mix both goals.
– Use separate SIPs and tracking for each.
– This helps you plan better and track clearly.

? Investment Plan for Elder Son (Rs 2 Cr in 9 years)

– Use 70% equity and 30% debt mix.
– Use large & midcap, flexicap and balanced advantage funds.
– Add 1 conservative hybrid or short-term debt fund.
– Keep SIP of Rs 18,000 monthly here.
– Review portfolio every year.
– Reduce equity slowly after 6 years.
– Shift to hybrid or short-term funds for safety.
– Avoid risk in last 2 years before goal.
– Also don’t withdraw everything at once.
– Withdraw in 3–4 steps to reduce market risk.

? Investment Plan for Younger Son (Rs 2 Cr in 16 years)

– You have time on your side.
– Use 80% equity and 20% debt mix.
– Choose smallcap, midcap, flexicap, and multi-asset funds.
– Add short-term debt or conservative hybrid for safety.
– Start with Rs 12,000 monthly SIP here.
– Equity gives better growth in long term.
– After 10 years, shift slowly to less risky funds.
– Don’t wait till last year to change allocation.
– Final years should be more safe and steady.
– Avoid all equity in the last 2 years.

? Investing in Actively Managed Mutual Funds

– Choose mutual funds managed by good fund houses.
– Use regular plans through an MFD with CFP.
– A Certified Financial Planner helps in goal review.
– They will rebalance yearly.
– They reduce risk in falling market.
– They help stay calm during volatility.
– This avoids sudden withdrawal mistakes.
– Active funds also help beat index returns.
– Long-term equity returns of 11%–13% are possible.
– Use SIPs to stay consistent.

? Tax Planning on Mutual Fund Returns

– Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term capital gains in equity are taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains are taxed as per your slab.
– Withdraw carefully in last years to avoid high tax.
– Use growth option, not dividend.
– Avoid too many switches to save tax.

? Monitoring and Goal Adjustment

– Review your portfolio every year.
– Check whether returns are matching your goal.
– If gap is large, increase SIP by 5% yearly.
– Even small top-up helps meet goal faster.
– Remove poor performing funds.
– Add better quality funds based on advice.
– Don’t invest blindly by star rating.
– Get advice from a CFP for every fund change.
– Track your corpus vs goal every year.

? What to Do with 6 Cents Land

– Don’t count this for your Rs 4 crore goal.
– Treat it only as a backup safety net.
– When you sell it, invest full amount into same goal fund.
– Don’t keep money in savings account.
– Use it to reduce SIP burden or fast-track goal.
– Don’t delay sale hoping for big appreciation.
– Liquidity matters more than paper value in emergency.

? Avoiding Investment Traps

– Don’t invest in chit funds or gold schemes.
– Don’t buy ULIPs or child plans from agents.
– Don’t invest in NFOs or complex structures.
– Don’t go by friends’ suggestions or trending funds.
– Stick to your goal-based strategy.
– Focus on safety, consistency and clarity.

? Insurance Correction for Protection

– Make sure you have term insurance of at least Rs 1 crore.
– Premium should be low and pure term plan.
– Don’t mix investment and insurance.
– Also have Rs 10–15 lakh family health cover.
– Medical emergencies can derail education savings.
– Protect your goals with insurance and emergency fund.

? Build a Simple Action Plan

– Stop all old traditional insurance plans.
– Split Rs 30,000 monthly SIP into two goal plans.
– Use 4–5 actively managed mutual funds for each.
– Maintain proper goal tracking sheet.
– Review with a CFP once every year.
– Do goal-top-up every 2–3 years if needed.
– Focus more on safety in later years.
– Aim for Rs 4 crore in total by careful investing.

? Finally

– You are already thinking for your children’s future.
– That itself puts you ahead.
– Rs 30,000 monthly SIP is a good start.
– You also have land as extra support.
– Don’t depend on index or direct funds.
– Use active mutual funds via trusted MFD with CFP.
– Review goals yearly and adjust as needed.
– Protect with term and health insurance.
– Avoid fancy plans and confusing products.
– Keep it simple, goal-based and consistent.

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

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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