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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7283 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 28, 2024Hindi
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I am 38 yr old with 2 daughters 14 n 7 yrs old. I earn a monthly salary of 50k per month.I have invested in SIP just since last 4 months. Aditya Birla Sun Life digital India fund growth: 3000/- ICICI prudential commodities fund direct growth: 500/- Quant small cap : 1000/- SSY: 1000/- I have a monthly emi of 15k. And other expenses of 15k Please help with me know if the MF are fine to go ahead or should I stop. If so...pl suggest better ones.

Ans: At 38, with two daughters and a monthly salary of 50k, your commitment to investing for your family's future is commendable. Let's review your current SIP investments:

Aditya Birla Sun Life Digital India Fund: This fund offers exposure to the digital revolution, which can be a high-growth sector. Given the increasing digitalization trend, it's a promising choice for long-term growth.
ICICI Prudential Commodities Fund: Commodities can be volatile and subject to market fluctuations. While they offer diversification benefits, they may not be suitable for all investors due to their inherent risk.
Quant Small Cap: Small-cap funds can offer high growth potential, but they also come with higher volatility. They're best suited for investors with a high-risk tolerance and a long-term investment horizon.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): This government-backed scheme is an excellent choice for securing your daughters' future education and marriage expenses. It offers tax benefits and guaranteed returns, making it a reliable investment option.
Given your financial responsibilities and investment horizon, it's essential to ensure that your portfolio is well-balanced and aligned with your risk tolerance. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can assess your financial goals and recommend suitable investment options.

While your current SIPs show diversity, you may want to review the ICICI Prudential Commodities Fund due to its higher risk profile. Instead, you could consider adding a diversified equity fund or a balanced fund to your portfolio for stability and growth potential.

Remember, regular review and adjustment of your investment strategy are essential to ensure it remains in line with your financial goals and risk tolerance. With careful planning and professional guidance, you can build a robust investment portfolio that secures your family's future aspirations.
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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Moneywize

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Financial Planner - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 05, 2024Hindi
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Good day, Sir. I am 32 and planning to start SIP for 30k maximum because that is my risk apetite. I don't have any MFs with me currently. As per my research I have zeroed in on some MFs. Please suggest if these are okay or shall I go for some other funds. a. Rs 10k in Parag Parikh Flexi-cap fund (Growth)/ Samco Flexi Cap Fund b. Rs 10k in ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund (Growth) and c. Rs 10k in SBI Smallcap Fund (Growth). Could you please share your opinion?
Ans: The funds you shortlisted seem like a good starting point for a diversified equity mutual fund portfolio with a moderate risk appetite. Here's a breakdown of why:

• Parag Parikh Flexi-cap fund (Growth) / Samco Flexi Cap Fund: These are Flexi-cap funds that invest across large, mid, and small-cap companies. This allows for diversification and the potential for growth across market capitalisations. However, a key difference is Parag Parikh Flexi-Cap Fund has a proven track record with a longer history and superior returns compared to Samco Flexi Cap Fund which is a new fund.
• ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund (Growth): This is a large-cap fund that focuses on established companies. Large-cap funds typically offer lower volatility compared to flexi-cap funds.
• SBI Small Cap Fund (Growth): This is a small-cap fund that invests in smaller companies with high growth potential. Small-cap funds generally offer higher potential returns but also come with higher risk.

Here are some things to consider:

• Risk profile: Your chosen allocation (Flexi-cap + Bluechip + Small-cap) leans moderately aggressive. Consider if this aligns with your 30k SIP risk tolerance. You can adjust the weightage between Flexi-cap and Bluechip depending on your risk appetite.
• New fund vs Established fund: Parag Parikh Flexi-cap has a strong track record while Samco Flexi Cap Fund is new. This might be a factor to consider since past performance is an indicator of potential future performance.

Overall, your selection is a good starting point. Here are some suggestions:

• Stick with Parag Parikh Flexi-cap if you choose the Flexi-cap option.
• Consider if the weightage between Flexi-cap, Bluechip, and Small-cap fits your risk profile. You can tweak it to be more conservative by increasing the Bluechip allocation or more aggressive by increasing Flexi-cap or Small-cap allocation.

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor and this is not financial advice. Please consult a registered advisor for personalised recommendations based on your complete financial picture.

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Harsh Bharwani  |65 Answers  |Ask -

Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Dec 20, 2024

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my son has completed bba from Bangalore. I can invest around 15 lakhs and iam based in cochin . could u suggest some start up idea ramakant garg
Ans: Since your son has completed his BBA from Bangalore, it is important to align the startup idea with his interests and skills. Start by discussing whether he is interested in pursuing business or further studies. If he is excited to start a venture, his BBA background puts him in a good position for management roles, while Cochin offers opportunities in growing sectors like IT, tourism, and sustainability. Here are some startup ideas that focus on future growth and revenue potential:

First: IT Services or Digital Marketing Agency
If your son is tech-savvy and he is interested in the IT sector, so starting a digital marketing agency or IT services company could be a great choice. Because Cochin has a growing market of small enterprises and medium businesses seeking online visibility through media. You can offer services like social media management, branding, website development and paid marketing. With minimal infrastructure costs and the potential to scale, this business can deliver steady revenue growth.

Second: Eco-Friendly Product Store
With growing awareness about sustainability, a business focused on eco-friendly products such as biodegradable tableware, reusable bags or organic skincare products can be profitable. Cochin residents and tourists alike show a growing preference for sustainable options. This business combines ethical impact with financial potential.

Third: Tourism and Hospitality Services
Given Cochin's appeal as a tourist destination, tourism businesses offering curated travel experiences such as heritage tours, houseboat rentals or adventure packages could flourish even more. This industry has strong revenue potential and scope for expansion, especially with creative offerings.

Fourth: Franchise Business
Investing in a franchise in sectors such as food and beverage, education institutions or wholesale/retail offers the benefit of an established business model. For example, partnering with a recognised brand in education technology or quick-service restaurants can lead to steady growth with low risk.

Fifth: Co-Working Space
If your son is interested in real estate and the workspace sector, starting a co-working space could be a promising venture. With Cochin becoming a startup hub, demand for flexible office spaces is on the rise. This business can provide consistent revenue through memberships.

Before finalizing any idea, conduct a market analysis to identify gaps in the local market. Your son’s active involvement will not only ensure the business aligns with his passion but will also help in building a sustainable venture for long-term growth and success.

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Gynaecologist, IVF expert - Answered on Dec 20, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 13, 2024Hindi
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Dr Aarti Bakshi Ji, Good Afternoon. I have daughter aged 13yrs 2month. First periods started in the month of September 2024. After that her behaviour changed and became arrogant. She is not going to school on periods days. Kindly help,How to counsel her??,
Ans: Hello
Since your daughter is 13 years old and just started getting periods that is menarche, she is in her puberty. She is undergoing lots of hormonal changes which is very common in this age group from 10 to 12 to 14 to 16 years of age group.
She will be having physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes. She is bound to have mood swings, irritation, change in behavior. During this phase they are in establishment of own identity, autonomy, sexuality. Not going to school can happen cause if awkwardness in periods, scare of staining clothes, not able to perform activities as routine due to pain or bleeding.
All these are common behavioral changes in most teenagers.
1) We as a parent we need to make ourselves available for open communication. With our children without hesitation.
2) We should be more like friends to them than parents.
3) Openly speak to them regarding periods, all emotional and behavioral changes to them and reassure them that these are normal changes to happen and accept them with grace and understanding.
4) Engage the kids in other activities likes their hobbies and physical exercises to control adverse behavior.
5) Talk openly about sex to your children so that they know about self-care.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7283 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 20, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 19, 2024Hindi
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I am working in a MNC in USA, I like to invest in build up property in Delhi NCR Should I invest in NOIDA / Greater NOIDA or Delhi or Guru Grugram and holding it for 2 to 5 years.Which will be better option?
Ans: You’re considering investing in build-up property in Delhi NCR. Your plan is to hold the property for 2-5 years. While real estate has traditionally been a popular investment, let’s carefully assess if it aligns with your financial goals.

Instead of recommending a specific location, we’ll focus on the broader aspects of this decision.

Real Estate: Key Considerations
Liquidity Issues: Real estate is a long-term asset. Selling within 2-5 years can be challenging.

High Transaction Costs: Stamp duty, registration fees, and brokerage charges reduce your effective returns.

Market Volatility: Property prices in Delhi NCR can fluctuate, affecting your investment value.

Holding Costs: Maintenance charges, property tax, and potential loan EMIs are ongoing expenses.

Regulatory Challenges: Delays in possession or approval issues are common in some areas.

Why Real Estate May Not Be Ideal
Lower Returns in the Short Term: Real estate often yields moderate growth over 2-5 years.

Limited Diversification: A significant amount of money gets locked in one asset.

Economic Dependency: Property prices depend on economic cycles, interest rates, and government policies.

Legal Risks: Title disputes and litigation are common risks in real estate.

Given these challenges, let’s explore alternative investment options for better flexibility and growth.

Mutual Funds: A Better Alternative
Investing in mutual funds offers liquidity, flexibility, and long-term growth potential. Here’s why you should consider this:

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management: Certified fund managers handle your investments.

Diversification: Your money is spread across sectors, reducing risk.

High Growth Potential: Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market.

Ease of Monitoring: Tracking fund performance is easier than managing property.

Why Avoid Index Funds and ETFs?
Underperformance in Specific Markets: Index funds follow the market but can’t outperform it.

No Flexibility: They lack active decision-making during market volatility.

Tax Inefficiency: Gains may not match actively managed funds' post-tax returns.

Suggested Investment Strategy
Start with Goal-Based Planning: Clearly define your investment purpose.

Allocate to Mutual Funds: Divide your corpus into equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Opt for Regular Funds Through a CFP: Avoid direct funds to benefit from expert guidance.

Focus on Long-Term Growth: Hold investments for over 5 years for compounding benefits.

Diversify Across Sectors: Invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Avoid High-Risk Real Estate: Shift funds to mutual funds for flexibility and steady growth.

Tax Considerations
Equity Funds: Gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Debt Funds: Gains taxed as per your income slab.

Real Estate: Capital gains taxes reduce effective returns.

Mutual funds offer better post-tax returns than real estate over similar periods.

Building Wealth with Flexibility
Emergency Liquidity: Mutual funds can be liquidated quickly during emergencies.

No Holding Costs: Unlike real estate, funds have minimal ongoing charges.

Scalability: Increase investments gradually through SIPs or lump sums.

Additional Suggestions
Insurance Check: Ensure you have adequate health and term insurance coverage.

Emergency Fund: Maintain 6-12 months of expenses in a liquid fund.

Retirement Planning: Channel savings into funds aligned with your retirement goals.

Avoid ULIPs and Annuities: These are costly and less flexible than mutual funds.

Final Insights
Real estate investments come with risks and low liquidity, especially over short durations. Mutual funds offer flexibility, diversification, and growth for your financial goals. Partner with a Certified Financial Planner for expert guidance. This ensures your investments align with your objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7283 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 20, 2024

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Hi sir, Im 29 years old .I would like to invest 1 cr im swp for passive income and 1cr lumpsum in mutual funds, both for long terms around 15 - 20 years. Can you pls advise in which mutual funds need to be invested ?
Ans: At 29, you’re focused on creating a strong financial foundation. You wish to invest Rs. 1 crore in a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for passive income and another Rs. 1 crore as a lump sum for long-term growth. Let’s analyse your requirements and recommend a strategy.

We will focus on mutual funds that align with your goals.

Why Choose Mutual Funds?
Mutual funds provide diversification across multiple asset classes.
Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform market indices.
Professional fund managers bring expertise to maximize returns.
They offer flexibility for both long-term and short-term goals.
SWP Investment: Generating Passive Income
An SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount periodically. This strategy ensures a steady cash flow while your principal continues to grow. Here's how to plan:

Choose Debt-Oriented Hybrid Funds: These funds are less volatile and provide stable returns. They suit your need for regular income.

Focus on Balanced Allocation: A balanced mix of equity and debt ensures steady growth with moderate risk.

Keep Tax Efficiency in Mind: Long-term capital gains from equity funds up to Rs. 1.25 lakh are tax-free annually. Beyond that, gains are taxed at 12.5%. Choose tax-efficient funds to minimize tax outflows.

Set Realistic Withdrawal Rates: Aim to withdraw 4%-6% annually to sustain your investment for 15-20 years.

Avoid Annuities: Annuities lack flexibility and have higher tax implications.

Lump Sum Investment: Building Long-Term Wealth
Lump sum investments allow your money to compound over the long term. Here’s the strategy:

Invest in Actively Managed Equity Funds: These funds outperform index funds by leveraging market opportunities.

Opt for Diversified Portfolios: Choose funds that invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. This ensures stability and growth.

Avoid Direct Funds: Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provide better guidance and monitoring.

Include Sectoral and Thematic Funds Sparingly: These funds are riskier but can add value if chosen wisely. Limit exposure to 10%-15% of your portfolio.

Focus on Fund Performance: Select funds with a proven track record of consistent performance over 7-10 years.

Factors to Evaluate Before Investing
Risk Tolerance: Equity funds are ideal for long-term goals but come with market risks. Understand your comfort with fluctuations.

Liquidity Needs: While your SWP ensures passive income, ensure your lump sum investments align with your liquidity needs.

Taxation Rules:

Equity Fund Gains: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
Debt Fund Gains: Taxed as per your income slab.
Rebalance Regularly: Monitor and rebalance your portfolio annually. This ensures alignment with your financial goals.

Additional Suggestions
Emergency Fund: Maintain 6-12 months of expenses in a liquid fund. This ensures financial stability.

Health and Term Insurance: Secure adequate insurance coverage before investing. This safeguards your family in emergencies.

Diversify Beyond Equity: Allocate a small portion to gold funds for diversification.

Monitor Expense Ratios: Choose funds with lower expense ratios to maximize returns.

Avoid Real Estate and ULIPs: Real estate lacks liquidity, and ULIPs have high charges. Reinvest any ULIP funds into mutual funds.

Insights on SWP and Lump Sum Investments
SWP Growth Potential: Even with periodic withdrawals, your remaining corpus can grow over time.

Lump Sum Advantage: Long-term investments benefit from compounding, making them ideal for wealth creation.

Active Management Matters: Professional fund management ensures that your investments adapt to market changes.

Final Investment Plan
SWP Portfolio (Rs. 1 Crore):
60%-70% in debt-oriented hybrid funds.
30%-40% in balanced advantage or equity-oriented hybrid funds.
Lump Sum Portfolio (Rs. 1 Crore):
70%-80% in actively managed diversified equity funds.
10%-15% in sectoral or thematic funds.
5%-10% in gold funds or international equity funds.
Finally
A disciplined and diversified approach is essential. Partner with a Certified Financial Planner for professional advice. This ensures your portfolio aligns with your long-term 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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