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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 06, 2024Hindi
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I have 36L in mutual fund SIP with 38%xirr, 10L in equity, recently have taken loan of 40L with 9.5%int. to purchase property I need advice should I sell mutual funds/equity and repay loans or should I continue with SIP

Ans: Considering your financial situation, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. Here are some factors to consider:

Loan Repayment: Repaying the loan of 40 lakhs with a 9.5% interest rate is crucial to avoid accumulating excessive interest payments over time. By repaying the loan early, you can reduce the overall interest burden and free up cash flow for other financial goals.
Mutual Fund SIPs: Your mutual fund SIPs have provided a healthy return of 38% XIRR, indicating good growth potential. However, continuing with SIPs while carrying a high-interest loan may not be the most efficient use of your funds. It's important to assess whether the returns from your SIPs outweigh the interest cost of the loan.
Equity Investments: Equity investments can be volatile in the short term but tend to offer higher returns over the long term. If your equity investments are performing well and you have a longer investment horizon, you may consider holding onto them, especially if you believe they will outperform the loan interest rate.
Financial Goals: Evaluate your financial goals and priorities. If repaying the loan enables you to achieve other important goals such as financial security, peace of mind, or future investments, it may be worth considering.
Risk Tolerance: Consider your risk tolerance and comfort level with debt. Carrying a significant amount of debt can increase financial stress and limit your flexibility in the future. Assess whether you are comfortable managing both the loan and investment risks simultaneously.
Consult a Financial Planner: Given the complexity of your situation, it's advisable to consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances, goals, and risk profile. A financial planner can help you evaluate the trade-offs and make an informed decision aligned with your long-term financial well-being.
Ultimately, the decision to sell mutual funds/equity to repay the loan or continue with SIPs depends on various factors, including your financial goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and current market conditions. Take the time to carefully assess your options and seek professional guidance if needed to make the best decision for your financial future.
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 May 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 18, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I'm 35 year. And getting 28lpa. Currently I'm invest in 6 SIPs (31k) monthly, 5k in NPS, 26k is personal loan, 17k car emi and purchasing 15k stock in every month. Stock buying I started from jan2024. I have around 25lakh in my sip fund and 10lakh other fund. Now I'm planning to buy a home that cost around 90 lakh. So my question is, can take the 80% home loan and keep my SIP. Or withdraw my all sip fund and reduce home loan amount. Btw my personal loan will complete end of this year. Please suggest withdraw the sip fund is good option or taking the home loan is good option.
Ans: It sounds like you're making some big financial decisions, and it's great that you're considering your options carefully. Taking out a home loan while keeping your SIPs intact could be a strategic move. It allows you to maintain your investment momentum while also spreading out the cost of your home purchase over time.

However, withdrawing your SIP funds to reduce the home loan amount could also be a viable option. It would lower your debt burden and potentially save you on interest payments in the long run.

Before making a decision, consider factors like the interest rates on the home loan versus the potential returns on your SIP investments. Also, think about your long-term financial goals and how each option aligns with them.

Consulting with a financial advisor could provide valuable insight into the best course of action based on your specific circumstances and goals. With careful planning, you'll be on track to achieving your dream of homeownership while securing your financial future.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

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I am 24 Years Old. Working in Cybersecurity Domain in a Renowned Organization. I am Investing in Mutual Funds through SIP since Last 4-5 Months. Here is my Breakup. I am Investing 50k in SIP. ( 15k Parag Parikh Flexicap + 15k Quant Mid Cap Direct + 13k Aditya Birla PSU Direct Growth + 7k UTI Nifty 50 Index) . I want to know am going right way in terms of investment or should I change the funds or follow some other processes. My Goal is to Gather some corpus to buy a property shortly around in budget (30-40lac,) and after that I will save for future investments. Can You guide me with some better advice.
Ans: It's fantastic to see your proactive approach towards investing at such a young age! Let's dive into your investment strategy and explore some recommendations:
Investment Breakdown:
• You're investing 50,000 rupees per month through SIPs, with allocations across different mutual funds.
• Your current portfolio consists of Parag Parikh Flexicap, Quant Mid Cap, Aditya Birla PSU, and UTI Nifty 50 Index funds.
Amidst your journey, you're undoubtedly making commendable strides towards securing your financial future. However, let's explore some aspects to ensure you're on the right track:
Diversification:
• Diversification is key to mitigating risk and maximizing returns. Your current portfolio seems well-diversified across different market segments, including flexicap, mid-cap, PSU, and index funds. This approach offers exposure to various sectors and can potentially enhance long-term growth prospects.
Active vs. Passive Investing:
• You've chosen actively managed funds, which offer the benefit of professional fund management and the potential for outperformance. While index funds like UTI Nifty 50 Index provide low-cost exposure to market indices, they may lack the potential for alpha generation compared to actively managed funds. Active management allows fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities and adapt to changing market conditions, potentially leading to superior returns over time.
Future Goals:
• Your goal of accumulating a corpus to purchase property aligns with your long-term financial objectives. As you progress towards this milestone, continue to prioritize disciplined saving and prudent investment decisions. Consider revisiting your asset allocation and investment strategy periodically to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving goals and risk tolerance.
Recommendations:
• Given your goal of purchasing property in the near future, maintaining a balanced approach to investing is essential. Consider continuing with your current SIP allocations, as they offer diversification and potential for growth. However, if you're considering adjustments, consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and goals.
• When it comes to purchasing property, start researching potential locations, property types, and financing options. Additionally, continue saving diligently towards your down payment and associated expenses to achieve your homeownership goal.
Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay focused on your objectives while adapting to changing circumstances. With your proactive mindset and commitment to financial growth, you're well-positioned to achieve your aspirations. Keep up the excellent work, and don't hesitate to seek professional advice whenever needed. Your dedication to financial literacy and planning will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter financial future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 01, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 37 years old, earning 3L per month. I have 80L investments in Mutual Funds 50:50 in Active: Passive funds, 70:30 is equity:debt ratio. I have a home loan remaining 6.5L, no other debt. I am doing a SIP of 1.25L per month in mutual funds. Could you guide me if I need to clear the home loan using investment as the interest rate is 8.7%. also should I change the investment method or asset base
Ans: You are 37 years old, earning Rs 3 lakh monthly, and have an existing mutual fund corpus of Rs 80 lakh. You’re investing Rs 1.25 lakh monthly through SIPs. You’ve maintained a 70:30 equity-to-debt allocation and have a small home loan of Rs 6.5 lakh at 8.7% interest. You're also invested 50:50 in active and passive mutual funds.

Let’s evaluate your situation from a 360-degree perspective through the lens of a Certified Financial Planner.

? Current Financial Position Assessment

– You have a strong monthly income of Rs 3 lakh.
– You’re investing over 40% of income monthly. That’s highly disciplined.
– You’ve built an Rs 80 lakh corpus already, which is solid.
– Your portfolio has a decent 70:30 equity–debt split.
– The home loan left is only Rs 6.5 lakh. It’s small compared to your assets.
– Loan EMI may be around Rs 13,000–14,000 per month.
– You’re paying 8.7% interest on this home loan.
– You’ve not mentioned any children or major upcoming obligations.

From this base, we can plan the next steps.

? Should You Close the Home Loan Now?

– Your loan is small compared to your mutual fund corpus.
– If you withdraw funds now, tax may apply depending on holding period.
– Long-term equity mutual fund gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term equity fund gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.
– You may lose compounding benefits on those funds if withdrawn now.
– Interest on your home loan is fixed and moderately high.
– But your mutual fund returns may beat 8.7% over 7–10 years.
– If your investments are long-term, returns can be 11–13% in equity.
– Therefore, clearing the loan from investments is not optimal.

It’s better to keep the loan and continue SIPs.

? But When Should You Consider Prepaying?

– If you have excess cash flow beyond your SIPs.
– If you're nearing retirement or want to reduce liabilities early.
– If you become uncomfortable with EMI despite surplus funds.
– If your SIPs are enough for all long-term goals and surplus remains.
– Then consider partial prepayment to reduce tenure.

Don’t break existing mutual fund investments for prepayment.

? Benefits of Keeping Home Loan Alive

– You’re getting tax benefits under Section 24 on interest paid.
– You’re also eligible for principal repayment benefits under Section 80C.
– Tax savings reduce effective interest cost.
– Liquidity is preserved, which allows investment compounding.
– Having a small manageable loan also helps credit score.

You should continue the loan unless there’s emotional pressure to close it.

? Evaluating the Asset Allocation

– Your equity to debt ratio is 70:30. That suits your age and goals.
– At 37, this is appropriate for growth with moderate stability.
– Equity gives compounding. Debt gives cushion during market fall.
– Continue this ratio for the next 8–10 years.
– Slowly shift to 60:40 by the time you reach 45.
– That helps reduce volatility as retirement nears.
– Review your asset allocation once a year.
– You can adjust depending on goals and market conditions.

Stay disciplined with this mix unless risk appetite changes.

? Active vs Passive Fund Split

– You’ve split funds 50:50 between active and passive.
– Passive funds (index funds/ETFs) have low cost but limited flexibility.
– They don’t beat the index. They just copy it.
– During sideways markets, they give average returns.
– Actively managed funds offer better risk-adjusted returns with expert selection.
– Good fund managers can outperform benchmarks with tactical changes.
– Passive funds also have sector bias due to index weight.
– That can be risky during sector-specific down cycles.
– For long-term wealth building, active funds offer more agility and value.

You should reduce passive exposure to 30–35% only.

? Are You Using Direct or Regular Funds?

– You didn’t mention the mode of investing: direct or regular.
– If you are using direct funds, reconsider your approach.
– Direct funds may have lower expense ratios.
– But they don’t offer ongoing advice, goal mapping, or behavioural support.
– Without Certified Financial Planner guidance, you may react wrongly to volatility.
– Regular plans through CFP/MFD offer constant tracking and rebalancing.
– They also give emotional comfort in market ups and downs.
– For major life goals like retirement and child’s education, this support is crucial.

Shift to regular plans with a Certified Financial Planner if in direct mode.

? Is Your Monthly SIP Optimal?

– You are doing Rs 1.25 lakh SIP per month.
– That’s over 40% of your income. It’s excellent.
– This can create Rs 4–5 crore in 12–15 years with compounding.
– You should increase SIPs by 10–15% every year.
– As income grows, scaling SIPs is important.
– Use SIPs for specific goals like retirement, education, and major expenses.
– Each SIP should be mapped to a goal.
– This gives purpose and discipline to the investments.

Don’t stop or pause SIPs without a major financial need.

? What Else Should You Do Now?

– Create a goal plan for retirement, child education, and large life events.
– Assign target years and amounts to each goal.
– Map your existing SIPs and lump sum investments to each goal.
– Start SWP-based planning for retirement income after age 50–55.
– Keep an emergency fund of at least 6 months' expenses in liquid funds.
– Have term insurance and health insurance for family protection.
– Avoid putting large amounts in FDs or traditional plans.
– Don’t depend on real estate for retirement needs.
– Use it only as backup or asset diversification.

Let every rupee you earn or invest work for a goal.

? Risk Assessment and Behavioural Points

– Avoid emotional decisions based on interest rates alone.
– Don’t rush to close loan if investments are giving higher post-tax returns.
– Avoid booking equity fund gains prematurely just to feel “debt free.”
– This cuts the compounding journey in the middle.
– If unsure about current schemes, review with a Certified Financial Planner.
– Review all investments once every 6 months.
– Avoid switching funds too often based on market noise.

Stay invested and stay goal-focused.

? Best Practices for You from Here

– Keep Rs 6.5 lakh loan as it is for now.
– Don’t redeem mutual fund units to repay this.
– Maintain 70:30 equity-debt allocation for 3–5 more years.
– Reduce passive fund exposure to 30–35% over time.
– Increase active fund exposure for better returns.
– Ensure you invest in regular plans through MFD + CFP combination.
– Map every SIP to a financial goal.
– Increase SIP amount by 10–15% yearly.
– Build separate buckets for retirement, child’s education, and emergencies.
– Keep real estate out of retirement planning.
– Review insurance. Get term cover and good health policy.

This discipline will lead to long-term financial freedom.

? Finally

– You have a very strong foundation already.
– Your income, corpus, and SIP are well structured.
– Don’t break investment momentum for small loan closure.
– Let your assets grow while you comfortably repay the loan.
– Review your allocation, SIPs, and fund mix annually.
– Make active funds the focus of your equity investments.
– Use Certified Financial Planner guidance for portfolio direction.
– Keep emotions out and goals in front.
– That is the best way to build true wealth and peace.

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

..Read more

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Nayagam P

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
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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

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

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

...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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