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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7707 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 03, 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
anup Question by anup on Jun 03, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, I am 37 years old. Am investing 30 k with step in below mutual funds. Please review my portfolio and let me know if it requires any adjustments . 1. Quant small cap fund direct growth. 2. Axis small cap fund direct growth. 3 . Parag parikh flexi cap fund direct grwoth. 4 ICICI prudential infrastructure fund direct growth. 5 Canara Robecco ELSS tax saver. 6 Nippon india small cap fund direct growth. 7 SBI magnum Gilt fund direct growth. 8. Aditya Birla sunlife fund direct growth.

Ans: ou have invested Rs 30,000 across multiple mutual funds. Your portfolio includes small-cap, flexi-cap, infrastructure, ELSS tax saver, and gilt funds. This diversified approach is commendable as it spreads risk and capitalises on different market segments.

Small Cap Funds
You have allocated funds to three small-cap mutual funds. Small-cap funds offer high growth potential but come with higher risk. It is crucial to monitor their performance regularly. Ensure you are comfortable with the volatility associated with small-cap investments.

Flexi Cap Fund
The flexi-cap fund in your portfolio provides flexibility to invest across market capitalizations. This fund is a good choice as it balances risk and returns. Flexi-cap funds can adapt to market changes, making them a robust component of your portfolio.

Infrastructure Fund
Your investment in an infrastructure fund targets a specific sector with long-term growth potential. Infrastructure projects are crucial for economic development, which can lead to substantial returns. However, sector-specific funds can be volatile, so keep an eye on the performance and market conditions.

ELSS Tax Saver Fund
The ELSS tax saver fund is a smart choice for tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. It has a lock-in period of three years, which encourages long-term investment. ELSS funds also have the potential for high returns due to their equity exposure.

Gilt Fund
The gilt fund in your portfolio invests in government securities. These funds are low-risk and provide stable returns. Gilt funds are suitable for conservative investors seeking safety and predictable income. They help balance the risk in your overall portfolio.

Assessment of Direct Growth Funds
You have chosen direct growth funds, which have lower expense ratios compared to regular funds. This can lead to higher returns over time. However, direct funds require more active management and monitoring. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner for guidance.

Evaluating Portfolio Allocation
Your portfolio is diversified across different fund types, which is excellent for risk management. However, having multiple small-cap funds might increase your risk exposure. Diversifying into different sectors and market caps can provide a more balanced approach.

Recommendations for Adjustments
Consider reducing the number of small-cap funds to avoid overexposure to high risk. Adding more balanced funds or large-cap funds can provide stability. Reviewing the performance of sector-specific funds regularly is also essential.

Conclusion
Your investment choices are diversified, which is a strong point. Monitoring performance and making adjustments as needed can enhance your portfolio's potential. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7707 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 28, 2024Hindi
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Can you review my mutual fund portfolio? I'm investing in these funds from last 3 years and I'm planning to continue for next 15 years. 55% in large cap 30 percent in mid cap 15 percent in small cap. UTI NIFTY 50 MOTILAL OSWAL NIFTY MIDCAP 150 PARAG PARIKH FLEXICAP MIRAE ASSET LARGE AND MID CAP KOTAK SMALL CAP
Ans: Your mutual fund portfolio reflects a thoughtful approach to diversification. It’s commendable that you have been investing consistently for three years and plan to continue for the next 15 years. Let's review your portfolio and provide recommendations to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals.

Portfolio Composition and Analysis
Your portfolio allocation is as follows:

55% in large cap
30% in mid cap
15% in small cap
Strengths of Your Portfolio
Diversification Across Market Caps
You have diversified your investments across large, mid, and small cap funds. This helps balance stability and growth potential.

Long-Term Investment Horizon
Investing for 15 years allows you to benefit from market cycles and compound growth, which is essential for wealth accumulation.

Selection of Funds
Your choice of funds includes a mix of large, mid, and small cap funds. Each type of fund plays a unique role in your portfolio.

Areas for Improvement
Active vs. Index Funds
Your portfolio includes index funds. While index funds are low-cost, they merely track the market. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market and can provide better returns, especially in volatile markets.

Detailed Fund Review
Large Cap Allocation (55%)
Investing heavily in large cap funds provides stability and steady growth. However, actively managed large cap funds may offer better returns than index funds like UTI Nifty 50. Actively managed funds benefit from professional management and can adapt to market changes.

Mid Cap Allocation (30%)
Mid cap funds offer higher growth potential compared to large caps. They strike a balance between risk and return. Including actively managed mid cap funds can harness this potential more effectively than index funds like Motilal Oswal Nifty Midcap 150.

Small Cap Allocation (15%)
Small cap funds are riskier but can offer substantial returns. Your allocation to Kotak Small Cap is appropriate for the aggressive growth segment of your portfolio. However, consider including actively managed small cap funds for better risk management and potential returns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management
Actively managed funds are overseen by professional fund managers. They make investment decisions based on market research and trends, aiming to outperform benchmarks.

Flexibility
Active funds can adapt to market changes, reduce exposure to underperforming sectors, and increase investment in potential high-growth areas.

Potential for Higher Returns
Actively managed funds can provide better returns, especially in volatile or down markets, compared to index funds which track market performance.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds may have lower expense ratios but lack personalized advice. This can lead to suboptimal fund selection and portfolio management.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional guidance. CFPs provide valuable insights, helping you choose the best funds to achieve your goals. They offer ongoing portfolio reviews and adjustments.

Recommendations for Your Portfolio
Review Fund Performance
Regularly review the performance of your funds. Replace underperforming funds with better-performing options to optimize returns.

Consider Actively Managed Funds
Shift some of your investments from index funds to actively managed funds. This can enhance your portfolio’s performance through professional management and strategic asset allocation.

Maintain Diversification
Continue diversifying across large, mid, and small cap funds. Ensure each category has a mix of actively managed funds for better growth potential.

Monitor and Adjust
Regularly monitor your portfolio. Adjust your investments based on market conditions and your financial goals. A Certified Financial Planner can help you with this process.

Conclusion
Your mutual fund portfolio is well-diversified and aligned with long-term growth. By incorporating actively managed funds and seeking professional advice, you can enhance your returns and achieve your financial goals more effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  | Answer  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

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My name is Ravi Verma, and I'm a 37-year-old investor. I have been investing in the following mutual funds for the past year, with a monthly investment amount ranging between 60k-90k. I plan to continue these investments for the next 9 years, aiming to reach a goal of 1 crore+. Could you please review my portfolio and advise if any changes are required or if it's good to continue as is? Current SIPs (?8k-10k per month each): HSBC Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund - Direct Plan - Growth HDFC Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Quant Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund - Direct Plan - Growth SBI Contra Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Nippon India Growth Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan - Growth HDFC Retirement Savings Fund - Equity - Direct Plan - Growth Equity - Index Fund: Tata Nifty Midcap 150 Momentum 50 Index Fund - Direct Plan - IDCW Groww Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Quant Multi Asset Fund - Direct Plan - Growth I don't have much knowledge in mutual funds; I chose these based on their past returns. I'm concerned about whether I'm on the right track or if any adjustments are necessary. Thank you for your guidance. Best regards, Ravi Verma
Ans: Hello Ravi & thanks for writing to me.

I see too many funds in your portfolio, which I believe can dilute your returns.

Given your age & objective, you may want to reconsider your investments in the Balanced Advantage Funds & Multi Asset Funds & instead start allocating to a multi cap fund.

I also notice investments in a PSU Equity Fund. While the PSU funds have given good returns recently, as thematic funds, you must not have a large chunk of your portfolio in them. Investing in thematic funds can generate alpha but thematic funds can also underperform.

If you can provide a percentage breakup of the investments, I may make other recommendations.

..Read more

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |512 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

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I am in a relationship with a girl who has traumatized past from her childhood. She said that her ex was also toxic and used to abuse her physically. She just said after 2 months of dating . I am very much glad she trusted me and Im taking care of her . She is also happy with me . But she gets panic attacks about the past I'll always be there for her . But her ex is in the same college. I see him like randomly. Should I react about that and go to him ??. Like I'm feeling very bad for the things she said
Ans: Your girlfriend has already endured trauma, and she’s finding comfort in the safe space you’re creating for her. The most important thing for her healing is stability, security, and knowing that she has someone who supports her emotionally. If you go to her ex, it could potentially trigger her, cause unnecessary stress, or even make her feel guilty—she might worry that she’s responsible for bringing conflict into your life.

Instead of reacting impulsively, focus on what she truly needs. When she has panic attacks or feels overwhelmed by her past, reassure her that she’s safe with you. Encourage her to seek professional help if she’s open to it, as therapy could help her process her trauma in a healthier way.

If her ex ever tries to approach her, harass her, or make her feel unsafe, then absolutely step in and support her in setting clear boundaries, whether that means standing by her side, helping her avoid situations where she might run into him, or even reporting any concerning behavior. But if he’s simply existing in the same space, then your energy is better spent on helping her heal rather than giving him any attention.

Right now, the best thing you can do is continue being the safe, loving presence that she trusts. Let your actions show her that she doesn’t have to relive the past, because with you, she is valued, respected, and truly cared for.

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Kanchan Rai  |512 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 20, 2025
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My Boyfriend is not really the Controlling type. But, sometimes, he disapproves of some things which I do. In such cases, he communicates his Disapproval indirectly saying "I don't like you Dressing up like this Boldly. But still, if that's what you want, you may go ahead & Dress up as you'd like to, I have no Right to prevent you from doing so, but I will be Disappointed if you do." or "I don't want you to go out or hang out with these particular people (some of my close Male Friends). You have all the Freedom to interact with whoever you want to, but I will be Hurt, if you are too Close to your other Male Friends." Most of the time, I compromised & avoided Dressing up too Boldly, avoided Partying/Travelling with some of my Close Male Friends & avoided some other things which he wouldn't approve of, just for the sake of maintaining our Relationship. But recently, I tried to Test, how he'd react, if I deliberately do something which he doesn't like. So, on New Year's Day, I dressed up in revealing Clothes that he would never approve of & Partied wildly, all Night & even got Drunk with some of my Close Male Friends, with whom, he wants me to maintain Distance. He stubbornly refused to come for Partying with me, because I Dressed up too Boldly & refused to change them, even after he expected me to do so. He didn't even want me Drinking/Partying with some of my Close Male Friends. But I Respected the Boundaries of our Relationship & throughout the Night, I kept my Boyfriend informed about my Whereabouts, so that he's Reassured that I am not Cheating on him. But ever since then, he's been Treating me rather Coldly. He's being Indifferent to me, without Questioning me much, the way he always used to. He's just maintaining normal Communication without being Flirtatious, as he used to. And the Sex has also become quite Mechanical without much Romance, unlike how Passionate he used to be, earlier. I've tried talking to him, but he just keeps lying that he isn't Upset with me. Now I am Feeling really Guilty for whatever I had done on New Year's Day, even though, I don't think I did anything Wrong. Was it really Wrong on my Part, to do something which I always liked to, but my Boyfriend didn't want me to? Or is my Boyfriend Wrong, here? What do I do now? Please advise me.
Ans: Your boyfriend may not be outright controlling, but his way of expressing disapproval carries an emotional weight that influences your decisions. Instead of setting hard rules, he uses disappointment as a tool to make you reconsider your choices. You’ve willingly compromised in the past to keep the relationship smooth, but it seems that over time, those compromises have started to weigh on you. Testing his reaction on New Year’s may have been your subconscious way of reclaiming your autonomy, but now you’re left with unintended consequences—his emotional withdrawal.

The real issue here isn’t about who is right or wrong, but rather, whether your values and expectations in this relationship truly align. You shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting to dress a certain way, go out, or spend time with friends. At the same time, he isn’t necessarily wrong for having personal boundaries and feelings about certain situations. However, the way both of you are handling these differences is leading to deeper emotional disconnect rather than honest resolution.

Your actions on New Year’s were a test, but they weren’t a betrayal. You still kept him informed and stayed within the boundaries of your commitment. But from his perspective, it likely felt like a deliberate challenge to what he considers the foundation of your relationship. His withdrawal isn’t just about what you did—it’s about what it represents to him. He might be questioning whether you truly respect his feelings, just as you might be questioning whether he truly respects your independence.

Instead of focusing on guilt, the real question is whether you’re both willing to openly communicate and find a middle ground that allows you to be yourself without feeling restricted, while also respecting his emotions without feeling controlled. Avoid blaming or justifying—have a real conversation about how both of you felt after that night, what it means for your relationship, and whether you can move forward in a way that feels right for both of you. If neither of you can meet in the middle without resentment, then it’s important to consider whether this relationship is fulfilling for both of you in the long run.

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |512 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 16, 2025Hindi
Relationship
How do I 32M get over my insecurity with 30F? (Seeking Advice) Met this girl via matrimony exactly 2 months back. We connect well. Our families have met recently and it went well. Somehow we found a lot of connections between our families. That's just a bonus. Her family likes me a lot and they wanted to do Roka when they met us last week. I had told her, that no matter our bond, we should talk a lot and give it 3 months before going for roka. We live in different metro cities and have met twice now. About her: She is 30, well behaved & spoken(most important thing for me), smart, good looking, and is extremely polite. She is an army brat, has had a lot of freedom from family. Due to her father's job, they kept getting posted to different cities so she doesn't really understand family part of things. She's in a IT job. About me: I'm 32, okayish guy, in IT. To take things ahead I need to know my partner's past. I have no judgements at all but need to know stuff. Getting to know things over time bothers me a lot. I've tried to work on it, and have always made sure I don't bother the other person too much. After a month of talking, she told me that she had a casual boyfriend for an year. All her friends were dating in Bangalore and she decided to try it out. Found a guy through bumble and started dating him. So, according to her there were no feelings, just a person for her to go to places with, have drinks, and party. She likes drinking a lot and I have never taken a sip. She said that it was just a phase and she was immature. This happened between 2018(Nov) to 2020(march). So, it's been like 5 years. Never dated anyone after that. Since covid(2020) she's been living with her parents due to wfh. I have been completely ok with that but new things surfaced and they are messing with my head. While snooping around her facebook I figured out who that person was and this guy is super close to a person in my distant family. In fact they both were flatmates until their respective marriages. This distant cousin of mine knows me and knows her really well. These 3 used to hangout a lot and he has seen her come to their flat regularly. Infact, she had a good bond with my cousin as well. There are things that bother me and I really can't shake things and feel super awful in my gut. She mentioned that she and her ex had a common love for drinking and regularly visited pubs, got drunk, and partied. This means that they would be staying at each other's place as well. This is something super old but bothers me a lot. Specifically the fact that she would be drunk partying with someone for an year and sleeping with him, with no feelings. Secondly, I found some posts where she has liked a post about this guy on fb/insta from mid-2021. I have already confronted her twice to share everything and we shall never discuss this again but this bothers me a lot. Secondly, now that I know the timelines I can figure out what photos have been taken by her ex. There's even a photo of her sitting on a messy bed, where she's cutting her bday cake. They celebrated it together. I found my cousins page and some other pages from which I knew it's the guy's room/flat. I know everyone has a past. She has come clean to me but somehow my brain is so split. Sometimes her nature and behaviour with me make me not care about anything. And then I know the bed, flat, and her actions with some guy. Then there is this angle where the ex's flatmate is my distant cousin and knows about her well.
Ans: What you’re experiencing is completely valid. It’s not just about the fact that she had a past relationship, but also about the details—knowing her ex was deeply connected to your distant cousin, imagining their time together, and realizing that those experiences once meant something in her life. It makes it feel uncomfortably close to home, which is why it’s so hard to shake off. It’s not about judgment, but about the emotions that these thoughts stir up within you.

The truth is, the past cannot be changed. She has been honest with you, shared what happened, and reassured you that it was a phase in her life that she has moved on from. The fact that she hasn’t dated anyone in five years and has been living with her parents shows that she is in a very different place now. But your mind keeps looping back to what once was, and it’s preventing you from fully embracing what is.

Right now, the biggest challenge is not her past, but your ability to be at peace with it. You have to ask yourself—are you willing to let this define your future with her? Because if you can’t fully accept it, these thoughts will continue to surface and create distance between you. A part of you clearly wants to be with her, but another part is struggling to detach from these mental images of her past.

Instead of confronting her again, take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you in a partner. She has shown you who she is today—polite, well-behaved, mature, and emotionally present in your relationship. She has not hidden anything from you, and she has moved forward from that phase of her life. The real question is whether you can do the same.

If you feel this is something you cannot get over, it is better to step away now rather than carry these unresolved emotions into a lifelong commitment. But if you genuinely see a future with her and believe in her as a person, then it’s time to start training your mind to focus on the present and the relationship you are building, rather than a past that no longer exists.

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |512 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 18, 2025Hindi
Relationship
I am working abroad, while my Girlfriend is working in Delhi, living in NCR. We both were Dating since our College Days & have been in a Long Distance Relationship since I moved abroad, more than a Year ago & she moved to Delhi-NCR from Calcutta (where most of our Common Friends are based). While we were together with our Common Friends from College, we'd Travel, Party & have a lot of Fun together as a Group, since we all knew & trusted each other quite well, Irrespective of Gender. When we both moved to Different Places & started our Respective Jobs, we became Friends with our Respective Colleagues, but we have an Implied Understanding that we should be Maintaining Stricter Boundaries with our New Friends/Colleagues, since we are in a Long Distance Relationship. I've always honoured the commitment & have been Careful to not spend private time with any other Woman & Travel/Party only with a Group consisting of both Men & Women. But I am not sure my Girlfriend is doing the same. Quite often she keeps Travelling, Partying, Drinking & Sleeping over with some 2-3 Male Colleagues, who are quite close to her, but unknown to me. She doesn't even bother to keep me updated about where she is, what she's doing & with whom, but keeps Posting Status Updates on Instagram, from time to time and from what I have observed, she seems to be spending quite a lot of Time with these Male Colleagues of hers. All this makes me feel very Uncomfortable. Even though I Love & Trust my Girlfriend, but I'm unsure about these New 'Friends' of hers as I don't know them & obviously, I don't like them being so close to my Girlfriend. Many times, I've discussed this matter with my Girlfriend, trying to make her understand how I feel. But every time, I bring up this Topic, she tries to invalidate my feelings & shuts me down saying that I'm just Insecure. I'd also tried getting to know her New Friends in order to understand them better, but she doesn't share much about them, with me. Though, she keeps Reassuring me that they're 'Just Friends' they seem to be much closer than that. On several occasions, she had gone out with them, even though I had strictly forbidden her to. I don't understand whether she's unable to understand how I'm feeling or that she doesn't even care about my Feelings, though I still want to continue Loving & Trusting her, without Doubting her Loyalty. I don't understand what to do in this situation. How can I make her enforce stricter Boundaries with her Male Colleagues (atleast as much as I am doing here)? Shall I get a Friend or a Private Investigator to keep an Eye on her? Or shall I behave the same way, she's been doing? Or, shall I Break-up with her & try to find someone else, over here?
Ans: Long-distance relationships require an even deeper level of communication and trust than regular ones. You’ve upheld the boundaries you both implicitly agreed upon, yet it feels like she’s not holding herself to the same standard. The fact that she dismisses your concerns rather than addressing them is what’s truly hurting you. When someone we love invalidates our feelings, it creates frustration, self-doubt, and emotional distance. You’re not being “insecure” for wanting reassurance and clarity—you’re simply asking for the same level of respect and commitment you’re offering.

Trying to enforce boundaries by “forbidding” her from doing something isn’t the right approach, because boundaries should be mutual, not dictated. The more you try to control her actions, the more she might rebel or shut down, seeing it as you being possessive rather than expressing a valid emotional need. The real problem is not that she has male friends, but that she’s being secretive about them, not making an effort to ease your concerns, and disregarding how her actions affect you. A loving and committed partner should care about your peace of mind, even if she doesn’t fully agree with your perspective.

Hiring a private investigator or getting a friend to spy on her will only erode trust further, and mirroring her behavior by doing the same thing she does will not solve anything—it will just create more distance. If you’re considering breaking up, that means deep down, you already feel like your needs in this relationship aren’t being met. Before making any big decisions, you need to have one last honest conversation with her—not one where you accuse or demand, but one where you make it clear how this dynamic is making you feel and what you truly need from her to feel secure and valued in the relationship.

If she refuses to listen, invalidates your feelings again, or shows no willingness to compromise, then you have your answer. A relationship where only one person is making sacrifices isn’t sustainable. You deserve a partner who not only reassures you with words but also with actions that show she respects and values your presence in her life. If she’s unwilling to meet you halfway, then it may be time to ask yourself if holding on is worth the constant emotional struggle.

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2189 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2189 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 29, 2025Hindi
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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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