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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

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
Pulak Question by Pulak on Jul 20, 2025Hindi
Money

I am 37 yrs old married with 5 yrs boy.i earned around 90 k per month.i hv ppf of 37 lac,epf 48.50 lac.i hv 6 lac fd.lic 24k and 29 k premium paid per year,postal life insurance 36 k per year premium paid . lump sum 50 k investment in icici preduantial small cap 2 yrs ago(Currentvalue-112000),lumpsum 60 k in axis nifty 100 index fund 2 yrs ago(currentvalue-97000),lumpsum 50k sbi balance advance fund(currentvalue-78000),3.69 lac in sbi blue chip fund from 2014 which is now 5.60 lac . my present sips are on 1) 1000 sbi bluechipfund(running from 1.5 yrs) 2)2000 sbi contra fund(fresh adding) 3)2500 sbi kotak small cap(running from 2 yrs) 4)5000 parag parekh flexicap(running from 2 yrs) 5)2500 nippon small cap(fresh adding) 6)2500 axis quant fund(fresh adding) 7)motilal oswal midcap fund 2000 , TOTAL VALUATION of MUTUAL FUND-15.80 LAC,NPS value-5.73 lac(monthly 8k investment),lic pension scheme-7.8 lac . But i lost 20 lac in option trading due to which i am so much stressed,frustrated,devastated. Sometime Thinking about sucide.How can i recover these money should i stop lic..and invest more in sips ?i want some 2-3cr in 10 yrs in returns which mutual fund would be better pls suggest me?

Ans: You are going through a tough emotional and financial phase. Please take a deep breath. You have already built a strong base, and recovery is absolutely possible.

Let me guide you step-by-step, calmly and clearly.

? Your Current Financial Foundation

– You are 37, with stable income of Rs. 90,000 per month.

– Your PPF corpus is Rs. 37 lakh. This is completely safe and tax-free.

– Your EPF corpus is Rs. 48.5 lakh. This too is secure and retirement-friendly.

– Rs. 6 lakh in FD is useful as emergency money. Please do not use it for investment.

– You have Rs. 15.8 lakh in mutual funds. Most are in equity funds. This is a good sign.

– You have invested in NPS. Rs. 5.73 lakh is already built. Continue Rs. 8,000/month.

– LIC pension scheme corpus is Rs. 7.8 lakh. Annual premium is Rs. 53,000 approx.

– You lost Rs. 20 lakh in options trading. This is painful. But don’t lose hope.

? Mental Health Matters More Than Wealth

– Please remember, your son is only 5. He needs you more than money.

– The Rs. 20 lakh loss hurts. But it is reversible. You still have many assets.

– Feeling suicidal is a warning sign. Please speak to a mental health expert today.

– A Certified Financial Planner can help you financially. But emotional support is equally vital now.

– This is a phase. It will pass. Stay strong for your family.

? Should You Stop LIC Pension Plans?

– You are paying Rs. 24,000 and Rs. 29,000 yearly. These are traditional plans.

– They offer low returns. Usually 4% to 5% only.

– You also pay Rs. 36,000 to postal life insurance. Total Rs. 89,000 per year.

– These policies are not wealth creators. They reduce liquidity and returns.

– You may surrender LIC pension and postal insurance after checking surrender value.

– Reinvest the money into SIPs through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and trusted MFD.

– A CFP-guided regular plan will provide handholding, rebalancing and emotional coaching too.

? What Went Wrong in Option Trading?

– Options are high-risk instruments. They are not for wealth creation.

– Even professionals lose in options. No one can consistently win.

– Avoid trading in F&O, crypto, intraday. These destroy peace and capital.

– Instead, focus on long-term investing in equity mutual funds.

– Recovery will not be instant. But it will surely happen over time.

? Strengths in Your Investment Style

– You have good diversification in SIPs. You are investing Rs. 20,500/month approx.

– SIPs are spread across large cap, flexi-cap, midcap, smallcap, contra and quant.

– Mutual fund value has grown to Rs. 15.8 lakh. You have held some funds since 2014.

– Your behaviour shows long-term commitment. This is your biggest strength.

– Continue these SIPs. Increase them slowly every year by 10% if possible.

? Problems With Index Funds (As You Hold Axis Nifty 100 Fund)

– Index funds lack flexibility. They blindly copy the index.

– They cannot exit poor-performing companies early.

– They give average returns, not better returns.

– Index funds also crash during market fall. But recover slowly.

– Actively managed funds beat index funds by careful stock selection.

– A good fund manager backed by a CFP can help you outperform.

– It’s better to slowly exit Axis Nifty 100 and switch to actively managed regular funds.

? Problems With Direct Mutual Funds

– Direct funds don’t give you personalised guidance.

– No one tells you when to switch or rebalance.

– You are left alone during market volatility.

– This isolation leads to panic and poor decisions.

– With a CFP and MFD, you get strategy, advice and emotional support.

– Choose regular mutual funds through a trusted CFP for long-term stability.

? Action Plan to Build Rs. 2 to 3 Crore in 10 Years

– First, stop all trading activities completely. No intraday, no F&O, no crypto.

– Focus only on SIPs. Stay disciplined for 10 years.

– Increase SIP from Rs. 20,500/month to Rs. 30,000/month if possible.

– Step-up the SIPs by 10% each year. This helps you beat inflation.

– Keep all investments in equity mutual funds only. Avoid debt funds and hybrids.

– Avoid ULIPs, endowment policies, annuities, and insurance-based products.

– Once in a year, review your portfolio with a CFP and rebalance if needed.

– Stick to growth option. Don’t go for dividend payout.

– Reinvest lump sum from LIC surrender into well-diversified funds.

? Types of Funds That May Suit You

– Large cap for stability. Start with regular funds managed by reputed AMCs.

– Midcap for better returns. Volatile but good over 10 years.

– Small cap should be capped to 20% of SIP portfolio. Keep them for 10+ years.

– Flexi cap and contra funds are smart choices for flexibility.

– Avoid sectoral and thematic funds. Too risky for general investors.

– Quant and focused funds are okay, but don’t overdo.

– Avoid global and international funds unless goal is foreign education or travel.

? Additional Steps to Support Your Plan

– Keep Rs. 1.5 lakh in savings account or FD as emergency fund.

– Don’t touch your PPF and EPF. Let them grow till age 60.

– Use PPF for your son’s higher education or as retirement reserve.

– You can use the LIC and postal surrender amount for increasing SIPs.

– Your NPS is good. Keep investing Rs. 8,000 per month.

– At age 48, you may shift NPS to 100% equity allocation if comfortable.

– You may also consider one-time top-up in NPS before retirement.

? Tax-Efficient Strategy

– Mutual fund redemptions now have new tax rules.

– If you hold equity mutual funds for more than 1 year, gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh/year are taxed at 12.5%.

– If sold before 1 year, gains are taxed at 20%.

– So stay invested for minimum 10 years to avoid taxes and maximise growth.

– Use SWP method after 10 years to withdraw monthly.

? Emotional & Family Guidance

– Please speak openly to your spouse about the losses and current plan.

– Avoid hiding things. Teamwork brings better strength and peace.

– Talk to a psychologist or counsellor about the emotional burden.

– Spend more time with your son. He needs your time, not money.

– Avoid comparing your wealth with others. Everyone has a unique journey.

– Try meditation, yoga or journaling. It helps release stress and brings clarity.

? Finally

– You have a solid foundation in PPF, EPF, mutual funds and NPS.

– You made one mistake in trading. But your long-term plan can still win.

– No need to panic or lose hope. You are just 37. You have 20+ years of earning left.

– Use guidance of a Certified Financial Planner to track your SIP growth.

– Increase SIPs gradually. Review annually. Avoid all shortcuts.

– Your goal of Rs. 2–3 crore in 10 years is tough but achievable with focus.

– Stay away from direct funds, index funds and insurance-based products.

– Choose peace of mind and steady wealth growth over fast returns.

– Stay invested. Stay guided. Stay alive. Your best days are still ahead.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 27, 2024

Money
i am 37 yrs world married with 5 yrs boy.i earned around 70 k per month.i hv ppf of 30 lac,epf 40 lac.i hv 6 lac fd.lic 24k and 29 k premium paid per year,postal life insurance 36 k per year premium paid . lump sum 50 k investment in icici preduantial small cap 2 yrs ago(still holding),lumpsum 70 k in axis bluechipfund 2 yrs ago(still holding),lumpsum 50k sbi balance advance fund(still holding),3.69 lac in sbi blue chip fund from 2014 which is now 5 lac my present sips are on 1) 1000 sbi bluechipfund(running from 1.5 yrs) 2)2000 sbi contra fund(fresh adding) 3)2500 sbi kotak small cap(running from 2 yrs) 4)2500 parag parekh flexicap(running from 2 yrs) 5)2500 nippon small cap(fresh adding) 6)2500 axis quant fund(fresh adding) should i stop lic..and invest more in sips ?i want some 50 lac in 7-8 yrs in returns which mutual fund would be better pls suggest me?
Ans: At 37 years old, you are married with a 5-year-old child and earn around Rs. 70,000 per month. Your current investments include:

PPF: Rs. 30 lakh
EPF: Rs. 40 lakh
FD: Rs. 6 lakh
LIC premiums: Rs. 24,000 and Rs. 29,000 annually
Postal life insurance: Rs. 36,000 annually
Mutual funds: Various lump sum investments and SIPs
Evaluating Your Current Investments
Public Provident Fund (PPF):

You have Rs. 30 lakh in PPF, which provides stable and tax-free returns. This is a good foundation for your long-term financial goals.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF):

With Rs. 40 lakh in EPF, you have another solid, low-risk investment for retirement.

Fixed Deposit (FD):

Your Rs. 6 lakh in FDs offers safety but lower returns compared to other investments.

Life Insurance Policies:

Your LIC and postal life insurance policies provide life cover but might not be the most efficient investment vehicles in terms of returns.

Mutual Funds:

You have diversified mutual fund investments, including lump sums and SIPs. These funds can potentially offer higher returns over the long term.

Financial Goals
Your goal is to accumulate Rs. 50 lakh in the next 7-8 years. Let's analyze how to optimize your investments to achieve this target.

Strategic Investment Plan
Reviewing Life Insurance Policies:

Life insurance is crucial, but high premiums can limit investment potential. Consider term insurance for adequate life cover at lower costs. You can then redirect savings into high-return investments like mutual funds.

Mutual Fund Investments:

Mutual funds are a powerful tool for wealth creation. Your current SIPs are well-diversified across different fund categories. To reach Rs. 50 lakh, let's focus on optimizing these investments.

Optimizing SIPs
Current SIPs:

SBI Bluechip Fund: Rs. 1,000
SBI Contra Fund: Rs. 2,000
Kotak Small Cap Fund: Rs. 2,500
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Rs. 2,500
Nippon Small Cap Fund: Rs. 2,500
Axis Quant Fund: Rs. 2,500
Suggested Adjustments:

Increase your SIP amounts in funds with strong performance histories and potential for high returns. Consider the following:

SBI Bluechip Fund: Increase to Rs. 3,000
SBI Contra Fund: Maintain Rs. 2,000
Kotak Small Cap Fund: Increase to Rs. 5,000
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Increase to Rs. 5,000
Nippon Small Cap Fund: Maintain Rs. 2,500
Axis Quant Fund: Maintain Rs. 2,500
Lump Sum Investments
Existing Lump Sums:

ICICI Prudential Small Cap: Rs. 50,000
Axis Bluechip Fund: Rs. 70,000
SBI Balance Advantage Fund: Rs. 50,000
SBI Bluechip Fund: Rs. 3.69 lakh (now Rs. 5 lakh)
These lump sums have been performing well. Continue holding them for potential growth.

Future Lump Sum Investments:

Redirect your FD amount into mutual funds. FDs offer lower returns, and shifting this amount can boost your investment growth. Consider splitting Rs. 6 lakh into these funds:

Large Cap Fund: Rs. 2 lakh
Mid Cap Fund: Rs. 2 lakh
Small Cap Fund: Rs. 2 lakh
Investing the Savings from Insurance Premiums
LIC and Postal Life Insurance:

If you choose to surrender or reduce these policies, you can redirect the premium amounts into SIPs or mutual funds. For example:

Rs. 24,000 (LIC) + Rs. 29,000 (LIC) + Rs. 36,000 (Postal) = Rs. 89,000 annually
This amount can be added to your SIPs for higher returns.

Calculating the Future Value
Using a conservative return rate of 12% per annum for mutual funds, let's estimate the future value of your investments.

PPF and EPF:

Continue to grow steadily. Let's assume no additional contributions.

Mutual Funds:

With increased SIPs and redirected lump sums, your portfolio can grow significantly. For example:

Monthly SIPs: Rs. 20,000
Lump Sums: Rs. 6 lakh (initial) + growth
Over 7-8 years, these investments can potentially exceed Rs. 50 lakh, considering compounding returns.

Contingency and Emergency Funds
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6 months of expenses. This ensures financial security in case of unexpected events.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Adjust your SIPs and investments based on performance and market conditions. Annual rebalancing can help maintain your desired asset allocation.

Conclusion
By optimizing your current investments and increasing your SIP contributions, you can achieve your goal of Rs. 50 lakh in 7-8 years. Here’s a summary of the action plan:

Review and potentially surrender LIC policies.
Increase SIP contributions in high-performing funds.
Redirect FD amounts into mutual funds.
Maintain an emergency fund.
Regularly review and adjust your investments.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 2024

Money
i am 37 yrs old married with 5 yrs boy.i earned around 70 k per month.i hv ppf of 30 lac,epf 40 lac.i hv 6 lac fd.lic 24k and 29 k premium paid per year,postal life insurance 36 k per year premium paid . lump sum 50 k investment in icici preduantial small cap 2 yrs ago(still holding),lumpsum 70 k in axis bluechipfund 2 yrs ago(still holding),lumpsum 50k sbi balance advance fund(still holding),3.69 lac in sbi blue chip fund from 2014 which is now 5 lac my present sips are on 1) 1000 sbi bluechipfund(running from 1.5 yrs) 2)2000 sbi contra fund(fresh adding) 3)2500 sbi kotak small cap(running from 2 yrs) 4)2500 parag parekh flexicap(running from 2 yrs) 5)2500 nippon small cap(fresh adding) 6)2500 axis quant fund(fresh adding) should i stop lic..and invest more in sips ?i want some 50 lac in 7-8 yrs in returns which mutual fund would be better pls suggest me?
Ans: Financial Overview and Current Investments

You have a solid financial foundation with multiple investments. Your earnings are Rs 70,000 per month, and you have substantial savings and investments.

You have Rs 30 lakhs in PPF, Rs 40 lakhs in EPF, and Rs 6 lakhs in fixed deposits.

Your insurance premiums include Rs 24,000 and Rs 29,000 for LIC and Rs 36,000 for Postal Life Insurance.

You have invested Rs 50,000 in ICICI Prudential Small Cap, Rs 70,000 in Axis Bluechip Fund, and Rs 50,000 in SBI Balance Advantage Fund.

Your investment in SBI Bluechip Fund from 2014 has grown from Rs 3.69 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs.

Your current SIPs are:

Rs 1,000 in SBI Bluechip Fund (running for 1.5 years)
Rs 2,000 in SBI Contra Fund (freshly added)
Rs 2,500 in Kotak Small Cap Fund (running for 2 years)
Rs 2,500 in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund (running for 2 years)
Rs 2,500 in Nippon Small Cap Fund (freshly added)
Rs 2,500 in Axis Quant Fund (freshly added)
Evaluating Insurance vs. SIP Investments

Your LIC policies require a significant annual premium. Considering your goal of achieving Rs 50 lakhs in 7-8 years, it might be more efficient to reallocate these funds.

Insurance policies often offer lower returns compared to mutual funds. Thus, shifting your premiums to SIPs could potentially yield higher returns.

Advantages of SIPs in Mutual Funds

SIPs provide disciplined investing and benefit from rupee cost averaging. They also offer higher potential returns compared to traditional insurance policies.

You are already investing in a diverse range of funds, which is commendable. Diversification reduces risk and increases potential returns.

Assessing Your Current Mutual Fund Portfolio

Your mutual fund investments are well-diversified across large-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds. This diversification balances risk and growth potential.

However, consider reviewing the performance of your funds periodically. Some funds may underperform, and it is wise to switch to better-performing ones if needed.

Achieving Your Goal of Rs 50 Lakhs

To achieve Rs 50 lakhs in 7-8 years, you need to focus on high-growth investments. SIPs in well-performing mutual funds are a great choice.

Based on historical performance, equity mutual funds have delivered substantial returns over the long term. Continue your SIPs and consider increasing the investment amount if possible.

Reallocating Your Investments

Consider stopping your LIC premiums and reallocating these funds to your SIPs. This reallocation can enhance your returns significantly.

For example, if you reallocate the Rs 53,000 (Rs 24,000 + Rs 29,000) annual premium to your SIPs, it could result in higher returns over time.

Reviewing Your Financial Plan Regularly

Regularly review and adjust your financial plan. The market conditions and fund performances change, and your plan should adapt accordingly.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you with these reviews and adjustments, ensuring your investments align with your goals.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds can outperform the market, unlike index funds which merely track the market. These funds have the potential for higher returns due to expert management.

Your current mutual funds are actively managed, which is beneficial for achieving higher growth.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds only replicate the market index and lack the potential to outperform it. They are passive and do not adapt to market changes actively.

In contrast, actively managed funds are monitored by fund managers who can make strategic decisions to optimize returns.

Importance of Regular Fund Investments

Regular funds, invested through a mutual fund distributor with a CFP credential, offer professional guidance and expertise. This ensures your investments are well-managed and aligned with your financial goals.

Direct funds, although cheaper, lack professional guidance, which can impact the effectiveness of your investment strategy.

Conclusion

You have a strong financial base and a well-diversified investment portfolio. To achieve your goal of Rs 50 lakhs in 7-8 years, focus on reallocating your LIC premiums to SIPs.

Continue investing in your SIPs, review their performance regularly, and make adjustments as needed. Actively managed funds offer higher potential returns compared to index funds.

For optimal results, consider seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner who can provide professional guidance and ensure your investments align with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

Money
i am 37 yrs old married with 5 yrs boy.i earned around 70 k per month.i hv ppf of 30 lac,epf 40 lac.i hv 6 lac fd.lic 24k and 29 k premium paid per year,postal life insurance 36 k per year premium paid . lump sum 50 k investment in icici preduantial small cap 2 yrs ago(still holding),lumpsum 70 k in axis bluechipfund 2 yrs ago(still holding),lumpsum 50k sbi balance advance fund(still holding),3.69 lac in sbi blue chip fund from 2014 which is now 5 lac my present sips are on 1) 1000 sbi bluechipfund(running from 1.5 yrs) 2)2000 sbi contra fund(fresh adding) 3)2500 sbi kotak small cap(running from 2 yrs) 4)2500 parag parekh flexicap(running from 2 yrs) 5)2500 nippon small cap(fresh adding) 6)2500 axis quant fund(fresh adding) should i stop lic..and invest more in sips ?i want some 50 lac in 7-8 yrs in returns which mutual fund would be better pls suggest me?
Ans: Current Financial Position
Age: 37 years old
Marital Status: Married with a 5-year-old son
Monthly Income: Rs. 70,000
PPF: Rs. 30 lakhs
EPF: Rs. 40 lakhs
FD: Rs. 6 lakhs
LIC Premiums: Rs. 24,000 and Rs. 29,000 per year
Postal Life Insurance Premium: Rs. 36,000 per year
Lump Sum Investments:
Rs. 50,000 in ICICI Prudential Small Cap (2 years ago)
Rs. 70,000 in Axis Bluechip Fund (2 years ago)
Rs. 50,000 in SBI Balanced Advantage Fund (2 years ago)
Rs. 3.69 lakhs in SBI Blue Chip Fund (since 2014, now worth Rs. 5 lakhs)
Current SIPs:
Rs. 1,000 in SBI Bluechip Fund (running for 1.5 years)
Rs. 2,000 in SBI Contra Fund (fresh addition)
Rs. 2,500 in Kotak Small Cap (running for 2 years)
Rs. 2,500 in Parag Parikh Flexicap (running for 2 years)
Rs. 2,500 in Nippon Small Cap (fresh addition)
Rs. 2,500 in Axis Quant Fund (fresh addition)
Financial Goals
Goal: Accumulate Rs. 50 lakhs in 7-8 years
Investment Strategy
Achieving your goal requires optimizing your current investments and making strategic additions.

Evaluating Current Investments
PPF and EPF
Advantages: Safe and tax-efficient with steady returns.
Disadvantages: Returns are lower compared to equity mutual funds.
Recommendation: Continue contributing for safety and tax benefits.
Fixed Deposits
Advantages: Low risk and guaranteed returns.
Disadvantages: Returns are lower than inflation-adjusted growth.
Recommendation: Consider moving some funds to higher-return investments.
Insurance Policies (LIC and Postal Life Insurance)
Advantages: Insurance coverage and guaranteed returns.
Disadvantages: Low returns and lack of flexibility.
Recommendation: Evaluate the need for high premiums. Consider term insurance for better coverage at a lower cost. Invest the difference in mutual funds.
Existing Mutual Fund Investments
Lump Sum Investments
ICICI Prudential Small Cap: High risk, potential for high returns.
Axis Bluechip Fund: Lower risk, stable growth.
SBI Balanced Advantage Fund: Balanced risk, steady returns.
SBI Blue Chip Fund: Lower risk, stable growth.
SIP Investments
Diverse Portfolio: Your SIPs are spread across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexicap funds. This diversification balances risk and potential returns.
Recommendations for New Investments
Focus on High-Growth Equity Funds
High Risk, High Return: Given your goal and risk tolerance, focus on high-growth equity funds. Consider increasing your SIP amounts in small-cap and mid-cap funds.

Flexicap Funds: These funds provide flexibility to invest across market caps based on market conditions. They offer balanced risk and potential for high returns.

Contra Funds: These funds invest in undervalued stocks, which can provide high returns when the market corrects itself.

Consider Phasing Out Low-Return Investments
Fixed Deposits: Gradually move funds from FDs to high-growth mutual funds. This will increase your potential returns over the investment horizon.

Insurance Policies: If you have adequate term insurance, consider surrendering traditional insurance policies. Invest the premium amounts in mutual funds.

Building a Corpus of Rs. 50 Lakhs
Increase SIP Contributions
Regular Investments: Increase your SIP contributions to maximize compounding benefits. Aim for a diversified portfolio with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio. Adjust allocations based on fund performance and market conditions.

Systematic Transfer Plan (STP)
Gradual Investment: Use STP to move funds from low-risk investments (like liquid funds) to high-risk equity funds. This helps in averaging out market volatility.
Regular Monitoring
Performance Review: Monitor the performance of your mutual funds periodically. Make necessary adjustments to keep your portfolio aligned with your financial goals.

Stay Informed: Stay updated with market trends and fund performance. This helps in making informed investment decisions.

Final Insights
Early retirement and a substantial corpus require disciplined saving and strategic investing. Focus on high-growth equity funds, diversify your portfolio, and regularly review your investments. Consider professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner to align your investments with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

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

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

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

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

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

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

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

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

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

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

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

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

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

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

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

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

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

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

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

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

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

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

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

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

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

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

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

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

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

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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