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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 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
Gnanasakthi Question by Gnanasakthi on Apr 19, 2024Hindi
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Hi i am 37 years, which is best sip investment sir

Ans: It's excellent that you're considering SIP investments at 37. Here are some tips to help you choose:

Determine your financial goals, investment horizon, and risk tolerance before selecting SIPs.
Look for SIPs that offer a diversified portfolio across different asset classes and market segments.
Consider funds with a proven track record of consistent performance and experienced fund managers.
Assess the fund's investment philosophy, process, and portfolio holdings to ensure alignment with your investment objectives.
Compare factors like expense ratio, fund size, and historical performance when evaluating SIP options.
Regularly review your SIP investments and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your financial situation or market conditions.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to receive personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Remember, investing in SIPs is a long-term commitment, and staying disciplined and patient is key to achieving your financial objectives. By conducting thorough research and seeking professional guidance, you can make informed decisions that help you build wealth over time.
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  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir which SIP will be best for investment?
Ans: Choosing the best SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) involves evaluating several factors to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Understanding SIP
SIP is a method of investing a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. It offers the benefit of disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging.

Assessing Your Investment Goals
Before selecting an SIP, it's essential to define your investment goals.

Are you saving for retirement, a child's education, or buying a house?

Evaluating Risk Tolerance
Your risk tolerance determines the type of funds you should invest in.

Are you comfortable with high risk for potentially high returns, or do you prefer stability?

Time Horizon
Your investment horizon influences the type of mutual funds you should choose.

A longer time horizon allows for more aggressive investments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are managed by professional fund managers who aim to outperform the market.

Advantages Over Index Funds
Higher Returns: Actively managed funds aim to beat the market index, potentially offering higher returns.

Flexibility: Fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

Diversification: These funds often have a diversified portfolio to mitigate risk.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Limited Flexibility: Index funds strictly track an index, limiting flexibility.

No Outperformance: They aim to match, not outperform, the index.

Market Cap Bias: These funds are heavily weighted towards large-cap stocks, which might not always offer the best returns.

Types of Funds for SIP
Equity Funds
Equity funds invest primarily in stocks. They offer high growth potential and are suitable for long-term investments.

Large Cap Funds
These funds invest in large, well-established companies. They offer stability and moderate growth.

Mid Cap Funds
These funds invest in mid-sized companies. They have higher growth potential but come with increased risk.

Small Cap Funds
These funds focus on smaller companies. They can offer substantial returns but with higher volatility.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They offer stability and regular income.

Short-Term Debt Funds
Suitable for conservative investors seeking stable returns in the short term.

Long-Term Debt Funds
Offer higher returns but with increased interest rate risk.

Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt investments. They offer a balanced approach, providing both growth potential and stability.

Balanced Advantage Funds
These funds dynamically manage the allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions.

Choosing the Right SIP
Factors to Consider
Fund Performance: Look at the fund's historical performance and compare it with benchmarks.

Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios can improve net returns.

Fund Manager’s Track Record: A skilled and experienced fund manager can significantly impact the fund's performance.

Risk-Return Profile: Ensure the fund’s risk profile matches your risk tolerance.

Suggested Categories for SIP
Large Cap Equity Funds: For stability and moderate returns.

Mid Cap Equity Funds: For higher growth potential with moderate risk.

Small Cap Equity Funds: For aggressive growth with higher risk.

Balanced Advantage Funds: For a balanced approach between equity and debt.

Short-Term Debt Funds: For conservative investors seeking stable returns.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Personalized Advice: A CFP provides tailored investment strategies based on your goals and risk profile.

Holistic Planning: They consider your entire financial situation and future needs.

Expert Guidance: Benefit from their market knowledge and experience in managing investments.

Conclusion
Choosing the best SIP depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Consider a mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds, along with hybrid funds, for a balanced and diversified portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Im 54 years i want best SIP investment to high return please recomand the plan or swp
Ans: ? Your Current Financial Stage

– At 54 years, you are close to retirement.
– Your financial focus should shift to protection and income.
– The priority is safety with steady long-term growth.
– You should now avoid high-risk investing.
– Wealth preservation and retirement cash flow are key needs.

This is a sensitive phase. Each step must be well thought out.

? Role of SIP at This Age

– SIPs can still help at your age.
– Monthly investing creates discipline.
– It smoothens the effect of market ups and downs.
– Choose SIPs in equity with proper time frame.
– Keep SIPs going for minimum 7 to 10 years.

Longer time horizon gives equity SIPs time to perform.

? Don’t Expect Very High Returns Immediately

– At this stage, avoid chasing high returns.
– Focus on reasonable growth and low volatility.
– Equity funds can give better returns than FDs.
– But returns come only with patience.
– Don’t withdraw early from equity SIPs.

High returns are only possible with long holding and careful planning.

? Best Type of SIPs Suitable for You

– Use flexi-cap, large and mid-cap, and balanced advantage funds.
– Avoid small cap or sector funds now.
– These are too risky near retirement.
– Stick to diversified, actively managed mutual funds.
– A mix of 2-3 types of funds is ideal.

This will help control risk and still aim for growth.

? Stay Away from Index Funds

– Index funds are not best for your stage.
– They cannot protect during market falls.
– They follow the index blindly, without judgment.
– Actively managed funds are better.
– Fund managers protect downside and capture growth.

At your age, safety with smart allocation is more important.

? Regular Plan vs Direct Plan

– Avoid direct mutual funds now.
– They offer no guidance or support.
– If market crashes, you may panic.
– You won’t get rebalancing help.
– Use regular plans with Certified Financial Planner-backed MFD.

Proper handholding will help you take decisions wisely during market ups and downs.

? Creating Retirement Income using SWP

– SWP is ideal when you want monthly income.
– You invest a lump sum, then withdraw monthly.
– It offers better returns than FDs.
– You also get stable tax treatment.
– SWP should start only after proper planning.

Do not begin SWP before building enough capital.

? Best Use of SWP Strategy

– Use SWP only from debt funds initially.
– Later shift to hybrid or balanced funds.
– Begin with lower withdrawal rate.
– Don’t exhaust the capital in early years.
– A Certified Financial Planner can guide exact amounts.

A good SWP strategy will give income till lifetime.

? Combining SIP and SWP Properly

– SIP grows wealth. SWP gives income.
– Do SIP now for next 5-7 years.
– Once you stop earning, use that fund for SWP.
– Use part of corpus in equity-hybrid for growth.
– Rest in short-duration debt for income.

This balanced mix ensures growth and safety.

? Safe Investment Products to Avoid

– Avoid ULIPs, endowment, and investment insurance policies.
– Returns are very low. Lock-in is long.
– Charges are hidden. Liquidity is poor.
– Don’t fall for agents who promote them.
– If already holding them, consider surrendering.

Reinvest that money in SIPs through MFD backed by CFP.

? Asset Allocation Planning at 54

– Have 60% in equity (via mutual funds).
– Keep 30% in debt (short term).
– Rest 10% in liquid funds or FDs.
– Review this every year.
– Shift more towards debt after 60.

This helps protect capital and generate income.

? Emergency Fund Importance

– Emergency fund is a must even after retirement.
– Keep at least 6 months of expenses.
– Keep it in liquid or short-term funds.
– Don’t depend on equity during emergency.
– Rent, pension, or SWP can stop. Emergency fund protects you.

Peace of mind is most important in retirement years.

? Medical Insurance is Must at This Stage

– Check if your cover is at least Rs. 15 lakh.
– Also check if it covers day care, pre and post hospital.
– Avoid relying only on corporate policy.
– Keep the policy active after retirement.
– Choose top-up cover if cost is high.

Medical inflation is high. Good cover avoids dipping into savings.

? Tax Implication of Mutual Fund Withdrawals

– SWP in equity funds taxed only after Rs. 1.25 lakh LTCG.
– Tax rate is 12.5% after that.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund SWP taxed as per your slab.
– Plan withdrawals accordingly.

Keep tax liability low by spreading your withdrawals smartly.

? Steps You Should Take Immediately

– Begin monthly SIPs into balanced funds.
– Set goal to build Rs. 40-60 lakh in next 7 years.
– Don’t stop SIPs due to small market correction.
– Review funds every year with a Certified Financial Planner.
– Start small SWP only after enough corpus is built.

This habit ensures stable income and good sleep post-retirement.

? How to Handle Market Volatility at This Age

– Avoid checking NAV daily.
– Markets go up and down, that’s normal.
– Don’t panic-sell in corrections.
– Stay focused on goal.
– Keep 1-2 years of SWP need in debt.

That helps avoid selling equity during bad times.

? Use of Rent or Other Income

– If you have rent or part-time income, save it.
– Don’t spend everything you earn now.
– Use it to invest more via SIP.
– Or use it to increase emergency fund.
– Extra income gives cushion to invest longer.

The longer you can hold, better returns you may see.

? Goal-based Planning Helps a Lot

– Don’t just invest randomly.
– Have fixed goals for 5, 10 and 15 years.
– Assign fund for each goal.
– Review allocation regularly.
– Retirement income is not just about one number.

Clarity gives confidence during life changes.

? If You Are Holding Any LIC or ULIP

– Check their performance first.
– If returns are less than 5-6%, consider surrender.
– Reinvest in mutual funds via SIPs.
– Take term cover if life cover is needed.
– Don’t hold investment-insurance policies for long.

Mutual funds grow faster and are more transparent.

? Retirement is a Phase, Not the End

– After 60, plan small hobbies or part-time work.
– It helps emotionally and financially.
– Keep your mind active and health in check.
– Avoid large one-time spending unless very essential.
– Keep investing surplus even after retirement.

Money must keep working even after you stop working.

? Finally

– SIP and SWP both work well when used right.
– Don’t aim for very high returns suddenly.
– Aim for safety, growth, and peace.
– Avoid direct and index funds now.
– Use regular plans with professional support.
– Stay away from annuities, ULIPs, and poor-return policies.
– Build corpus slowly. Start SWP once it’s large enough.
– Revisit your plan every year with Certified Financial Planner.
– Keep your family informed and involved.

You have time. Use it well with wise steps.

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

..Read more

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Ravi Mittal  |676 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
Relationship
My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

Hope this helps

...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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