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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 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  |7322 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  |279 Answers  |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

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi Mr. Ramalingam, Can I check New Asset class (Specialized Investment Fund SIF) for 10 lakhs investment for my kids education(Right now 4months old). Thank you for your response.
Ans: Investing Rs 10 lakhs for your child’s education is a thoughtful decision.

Your child is 4 months old, so you have a long investment horizon.

Currently, SIF is not yet launched or operational.

Equity Mutual Funds: A Reliable Option
Equity mutual funds are proven for long-term goals like education.

They offer inflation-beating growth over a 15-18 year period.

Start investing now to benefit from compounding.

Choose funds with a consistent track record.

Wait and Observe SIF Performance
SIF is a new asset class and lacks a performance track record.

It’s wise to wait for its launch and review its stability.

Assess the fund's returns, risk profile, and management quality.

Investing in an untested asset could increase risks unnecessarily.

Diversify Investments Over Time
Initially, focus on equity mutual funds for growth.

Later, as SIF stabilises and performs well, consider it.

Diversify across asset classes gradually based on market insights.

Final Insights
Begin with equity mutual funds for your child’s education fund.

Monitor SIF's launch and performance over the next few years.

Decide on SIF only after it demonstrates a solid track record.

Keep your investments aligned with your long-term goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |790 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Dec 23, 2024

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I& my wife is 32. What would our ideally retirement corps. I assume 20Cr. Correct me if I'm wrong. My current saving & income are below - 1) Rs 2,40,000 take home per month combined. 2) We both have PPF for the last 7 years contributing 1.5L each year from starting and plans to continue till 60. 3) LIC will give us 2Cr when we hit 60. 4) NPS we contribute 1L per each year form 2022 combined plans continue till 60. 5) Mutual Fund of SIP Rs 10,000 each month for last 1 year combined plans continue till 60. 6) APY we will get 5000 per month at 60. 7) FDs of Rs 36Lakh 8) Gold of Rs 15Lakh bonds 9) Got Inherited Rs 1.6Cr in form of FDs 10) Have Medeclaim of 40Lakhs and have own house. 11) Monthly expenses is around 40,000. 12) Have 1 year old Kid. 13) Have PF of 8 lakhs and will grow till 60. Also taking Gratuity in account.
Ans: Hello;

Your current monthly income need of 2.4 L will grow up to 12.27 L after 28 years (At your retirement age of 60) considering 6% inflation.

Assuming your expenses at retirement will reduce so you may need 75% of this income to cover your expenses at that time therefore you may need a monthly income of 9.2 L.

To generate this income you may need a corpus of 27 Cr(Min.) at the age 60 that may generate post-tax monthly income of around 9.2 L.

Your investments will grow as follows,

1. PPF: 1.5 L per person per year for 35 years will grow into a corpus of around 4.32 Cr. (6.9% return assumed)

2. LIC: policy maturity proceeds will provide 2 Cr at age 60.

3. NPS: 1 L per person per year may grow into a sum of 2.5 Cr at 60.(8% return considered)

4. MF sip of 10 K may grow into a sum of 2.05 Cr at 60. (10% return considered)

5. FD of 36 L will grow into a sum of 2.1 Cr if held till 60. (6.5% return assumed)

6. Gold in form of bonds if reinvested into gold mutual funds and held till 60 may yield a corpus of around 1.1 Cr. (7% return assumed)

7. Inherited funds if held in FD till the age of 60 may yield a corpus of 9.9 Cr.
(6.5% return considered)

8. EPF is expected to grow into a sum of around 1.8 Cr at the age of 60.(7% return considered)

A summation of investment values at 60 indicates a sum of around 25.77 Cr thereby hinting at a gap of around 1.23 Cr.

You may begin another monthly sip of 7 K now which may grow into a sum of around 1.3 Cr by 60 age.(10% return assumed)

If the mediclaim policy is from employer, do buy a personal health care cover after 50-55 for your family for post retirement needs.

I presume you both have adequate term life insurance cover apart from LIC policy.

The financial goal for your kid's education and family expansion, if any, is not factored here. You may need to plan for it suitably.

Also it appears that your allocation to equity is quite low, may be due to limited risk appetite but you have time on your side and although short to medium term(5-7 yr) equity asset class may be impacted due to volatility but over a long-term(10 yr+) they have demonstrated good inflation adjusted returns so may be you may consider to increase allocation through hybrid funds suiting your risk appetite.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Meri family ki income 80 lakhs hai yearly aur 40 lakhs expense hai aur age meri 48 hai capital family ki 4 cr hai to unko kaise manage aur kaha invest kare
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Annual Income: Rs 80 lakhs
Annual Expenses: Rs 40 lakhs
Capital Available: Rs 4 crores
Age: 48 years
Your income and existing capital provide a strong foundation. With proper planning, you can secure your financial future and achieve your goals.

Key Financial Goals
Retirement Planning: Build a corpus to sustain your post-retirement lifestyle.
Wealth Growth: Invest capital for inflation-beating returns.
Risk Management: Ensure adequate insurance coverage for family security.
Tax Efficiency: Optimise investments to reduce tax liabilities.
Suggested Investment Allocation
1. Emergency Fund
Maintain 6-12 months of expenses (Rs 20-40 lakhs) in liquid funds or a high-interest savings account.
This ensures liquidity for any unforeseen circumstances.
2. Equity Mutual Funds
Allocate 50-60% of your capital (around Rs 2-2.4 crores) to equity mutual funds.
Use diversified funds like large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds for growth.
Avoid index funds due to lack of flexibility and active management.
Invest monthly through systematic investment plans (SIPs) for disciplined investing.
3. Debt Investments
Invest 20-25% of your capital (Rs 80 lakhs-1 crore) in debt mutual funds or fixed-income instruments.
Choose funds with low risk to ensure stability and predictable returns.
These funds act as a safety net during market downturns.
4. Children’s Education or Marriage
Allocate funds for long-term goals like education or marriage.
Invest in balanced advantage funds or equity mutual funds for higher returns.
5. Retirement Planning
At 48, focus on building a retirement corpus.
Allocate 20% of your capital (Rs 80 lakhs) to retirement-specific investments.
Use a mix of equity and debt for growth and safety.
Risk Management
Life Insurance
Ensure you have a term insurance cover of at least Rs 2-3 crore.
This protects your family’s financial future in your absence.
Health Insurance
Take a family floater health insurance plan of Rs 25-30 lakh.
Include critical illness coverage to address rising healthcare costs.
Tax Efficiency
Maximise Section 80C benefits by investing in ELSS mutual funds or PPF.
Use NPS for additional tax deductions under Section 80CCD.
Invest in tax-efficient instruments to reduce liabilities.
Regular Monitoring
Review your investments every six months with a Certified Financial Planner.
Rebalance your portfolio to align with market trends and life changes.
Final Insights
You have a strong financial base with high income and significant capital.

With disciplined investing, risk management, and tax efficiency, you can grow your wealth and achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 22, 2024Hindi
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Namaskar Sir, I am 30 years old and want to start SIP @10,000/-pm in Mid cap mutual fund for next 30 years for a target of Rs 20 Cr (18-20%/year). You are requested to guide me about risks may come in future in MF industry and risk regarding sustainability of the fund house for next 30 years.
Ans: Investing Rs. 10,000 monthly in a mid-cap mutual fund is a commendable strategy. It shows your commitment to achieving a robust corpus of Rs. 20 crore in 30 years. However, there are risks and considerations to address.

1. Potential Risks in the Mutual Fund Industry
Market Volatility
Mid-cap funds are more volatile than large-cap funds.

Short-term fluctuations can impact returns during market corrections.

Economic Slowdowns
Economic instability can adversely affect mid-cap stocks.

Such slowdowns could lower the growth trajectory of the fund.

Regulatory Changes
SEBI and government regulations may impact mutual fund operations.

For example, changes in taxation or investment limits can affect returns.

Inflation Risk
Inflation can erode purchasing power and real returns over 30 years.

This risk must be factored into your long-term goal.

2. Risks of Fund House Sustainability
Fund House Stability
A fund house with a poor track record may not survive for 30 years.

Choose an established and reputed fund house with strong governance.

Fund Manager Risk
Performance depends on fund manager decisions.

Manager changes may impact the strategy and consistency of the fund.

Operational Risks
Fund houses may face risks like technology failures or poor compliance.

Verify the operational strength and risk management policies of the fund house.

3. Realistic Return Expectations
Expecting 18-20% annualised returns over 30 years is optimistic.

Historical data shows mid-cap funds average around 12-15% returns.

Relying on higher returns can lead to unrealistic expectations.

4. Diversification for Stability
Do not rely solely on mid-cap funds for your goal.

Diversify with large-cap or flexi-cap funds to reduce volatility.

Balanced funds can provide a mix of growth and stability.

5. Importance of Periodic Review
Monitor your SIP performance regularly, at least once a year.

Assess fund performance against benchmarks and peers.

Make necessary adjustments to align with your goals.

6. Role of Active Fund Management
Actively managed funds can outperform benchmarks during volatile markets.

Fund managers actively track market changes and rebalance portfolios.

This approach offers an edge over passively managed index funds.

7. Tax Implications on Returns
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Understanding tax implications helps plan withdrawals effectively.

8. 360-Degree Financial Planning
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses.

This ensures financial stability during unforeseen situations.

Adequate Insurance
Secure yourself with adequate life and health insurance.

Avoid using ULIPs or investment-linked insurance for this purpose.

Retirement Planning
Parallelly invest in retirement-specific instruments for long-term security.

Diversify your portfolio to include stable growth options.

Education and Marriage
Plan separate investments for future education and marriage expenses.

Diversify investments to balance risk across different life goals.

Finally
Mid-cap funds are a promising option for wealth creation, but they come with risks. Diversify, review periodically, and adjust your strategy as needed. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to build a robust, long-term investment plan tailored to your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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