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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 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 - Apr 28, 2024Hindi
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Hi I have 4 lakhs and want to invest in mutual funds l.could anyone guide me like best mfs to invest

Ans: I commend your decision to invest in mutual funds to secure your financial future. With 4 lakhs in hand, you're taking a step towards building wealth and achieving your goals. Have you considered the power of expert guidance? A Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized recommendations based on your risk appetite and investment horizon, helping you navigate the vast landscape of mutual funds.

Active funds managed by skilled professionals offer the potential for growth and income generation, steering clear of the passive approach. By opting for regular funds with the assistance of a Mutual Fund Distributor, you can benefit from their insights and experience, ensuring a smoother investment journey.

Remember, investing is not just about numbers; it's about planting seeds for your dreams and nurturing them over time. It's about finding alignment between your financial aspirations and the strategies that best suit your needs. Let's embark on this journey together, crafting a roadmap that not only grows your wealth but also enriches your life.
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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I have 4 lakhs corpus fund presently kindly suggest best mutual funds..
Ans: Investing a corpus of Rs. 4 lakhs in mutual funds can help you achieve significant growth. Diversifying your investments across different types of funds is essential for balancing risk and return. Here are some recommended options based on different investment horizons and risk appetites.

Large-Cap Equity Funds
Advantages:

Invests in well-established companies.

Lower risk compared to mid-cap and small-cap funds.

Recommendation:

Large-Cap Funds:

Choose funds with a strong track record.

Look for consistent performance over the years.

Mid-Cap Equity Funds
Advantages:

Invests in emerging companies with high growth potential.

Higher returns compared to large-cap funds.

Recommendation:

Mid-Cap Funds:

Opt for funds managed by experienced fund managers.

Check the fund’s performance in various market conditions.

Small-Cap Equity Funds
Advantages:

Invests in smaller companies with significant growth potential.

Higher returns with higher risk.

Recommendation:

Small-Cap Funds:

Select funds with a proven track record.

Ensure the fund manager has expertise in small-cap investments.

Multi-Cap Equity Funds
Advantages:

Diversified across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.

Balanced risk and return.

Recommendation:

Multi-Cap Funds:

Choose funds with a dynamic allocation strategy.

Look for consistent performance across different market cycles.

Hybrid Funds
Advantages:

Combines equity and debt for balanced risk and return.

Suitable for moderate risk appetite.

Recommendation:

Aggressive Hybrid Funds:

Invest in funds with a mix of equity and debt.

Ensure the fund has a strong track record and dynamic asset allocation.

Debt Funds
Advantages:

Provides stable returns with lower risk.

Suitable for conservative investors.

Recommendation:

Corporate Bond Funds:

Focus on high-rated corporate bonds for better yields.

Check the credit quality and consistency of returns.

Short Duration Funds:

Invest in debt securities with short maturity periods.

Ideal for a low-risk investment with steady returns.

Recommended Allocation
Diversification:

50% in Equity Funds:

Split between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Balances high growth potential with risk management.

30% in Hybrid Funds:

Provides balanced exposure to both equity and debt.

Suitable for moderate risk tolerance.

20% in Debt Funds:

Ensures stability and steady returns.

Ideal for conservative investments.

Key Considerations
Risk Tolerance:

Assess your risk appetite before investing.

Choose funds that align with your risk tolerance.

Investment Horizon:

Longer horizons can afford higher risk for higher returns.

Shorter horizons require more conservative investments.

Regular Monitoring:

Review your investments periodically.

Make adjustments based on market conditions and personal goals.

Professional Guidance:

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

Align your investments with your financial goals and risk profile.

Final Insights
Investing your Rs. 4 lakh corpus in a mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds can help achieve balanced growth. Diversify your investments to manage risk and enhance returns. Regularly monitor your portfolio and seek professional guidance to ensure your investments align with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I have around 30 lakhs to invest. I want to invest for long time.can you guide me which MFs to invest for highest return.
Ans: Investing Rs. 30 lakhs is a significant decision. It's essential to align your investments with your long-term goals. Before recommending specific mutual funds, let's break down a few critical aspects. This approach ensures you maximize returns while managing risks effectively.

Time Horizon and Risk Tolerance
A long-term investment horizon is beneficial. It allows you to benefit from the power of compounding. However, it's crucial to assess your risk tolerance. Are you comfortable with high-risk, high-reward investments? Or would you prefer a more balanced approach? Understanding this will help in choosing the right mutual funds.

The Role of Diversification
Diversification is key to managing risk. By spreading your investments across different types of funds, you can reduce the impact of market volatility. Equity mutual funds are often recommended for long-term investments. But, it’s essential to diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds
Many investors consider index funds or ETFs. However, these may not always be the best option for high returns. Actively managed funds, guided by experienced fund managers, can potentially outperform the market. These funds adapt to changing market conditions, unlike index funds that strictly follow a benchmark.

The Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds have lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They mirror the market, meaning they can’t take advantage of opportunities that arise during market fluctuations. Over the long term, actively managed funds often deliver better returns, especially in the Indian market where active management can exploit market inefficiencies.

Regular vs. Direct Mutual Funds
You might also be considering direct mutual funds. While direct funds have lower expense ratios, they require continuous monitoring. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can guide you through regular mutual funds. These funds come with the added advantage of expert advice and periodic reviews, ensuring your portfolio stays aligned with your goals.

Benefits of Professional Guidance
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures that your investments are professionally managed. CFPs provide valuable insights, periodic reviews, and rebalancing strategies. This service is especially crucial in a dynamic market like India. A well-managed portfolio, guided by a CFP, can outperform self-managed investments.

Risk Management Strategies
While aiming for the highest returns, it's important not to ignore risk management. High-risk funds can offer high returns, but they also come with potential losses. A balanced approach, with a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds, can help manage this risk.

Asset Allocation for Long-Term Investment
For long-term goals, a higher allocation to equity funds is typically recommended. However, it’s wise to include some debt funds for stability. This balanced approach ensures your portfolio can weather market volatility while aiming for higher returns.

The Importance of Regular Reviews
Investing is not a one-time activity. Regular reviews and rebalancing are necessary to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals. Market conditions change, and so should your investment strategy. A CFP can help with these regular reviews, ensuring that your investments stay on track.

Consider Tax Implications
Mutual funds are tax-efficient, but it’s important to consider the tax implications of your investments. Long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) applies to equity mutual funds. Understanding the tax impact on your returns can help in planning your investments better.

Avoiding Investment Cum Insurance Policies
If you hold any investment cum insurance policies like ULIPs, it might be wise to reconsider. These policies often come with high charges and lower returns compared to mutual funds. Surrendering these policies and reinvesting in mutual funds could be more beneficial for long-term growth.

Reinvestment Strategy
If you have any existing investments, it’s worth reviewing them. Sometimes, surrendering low-performing investments and reinvesting in well-performing mutual funds can enhance your portfolio’s overall returns.

Finally
Investing Rs. 30 lakhs with a long-term horizon is an excellent strategy. However, the key to maximizing returns lies in choosing the right mix of funds, understanding market dynamics, and staying disciplined. Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide the professional guidance needed to navigate these decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 08, 2025

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I am 51 years want to park 10 L recieved from LIC. I have Nippon liquid and Axis Short term funds. Where should I keep this,in these debt fund or some other for max return and least risk . Or some balanced advantage funds?
Ans: Since you're 51 years old and the Rs. 10L is from an LIC maturity, I’ll assess this from a 360-degree perspective with low risk and reasonable return focus.

Let us structure this under simple and clear headings:

Understand the Nature of the Rs. 10L
This is a one-time amount, not a regular income.

So, capital protection is important.

Also, some growth is expected, but not with high risk.

Evaluate Your Existing Funds
Nippon Liquid Fund is very low risk.

Good for short-term parking, like few months.

Returns are around 5.5% to 6% yearly.

You can use it if you need money anytime soon.

Axis Short Term Fund is slightly better return.

Slightly higher risk than liquid fund, but still low.

Returns can be around 6% to 7% yearly.

Suitable if you are okay to stay invested for 2-3 years.

Should You Switch to a Balanced Advantage Fund?
These funds invest in both equity and debt.

They adjust the mix based on market conditions.

They give better return than debt if held for 3-5 years.

But, they carry moderate market risk.

Return range can be 8% to 10% per annum.

Not guaranteed, but historically stable.

Suitable if your risk tolerance is moderate.

Also, you must stay invested for at least 3 years.

What You Can Do Now (Allocation Suggestion)
Here is a simple, low-risk and flexible suggestion:

Rs. 2L in Nippon Liquid Fund: For immediate needs.

Rs. 4L in Axis Short Term Fund: Safe with better return.

Rs. 4L in Balanced Advantage Fund (via MFD with CFP): For better growth.

Choose an actively managed regular plan.

Avoid direct plan. They lack support and monitoring.

Regular plans offer advisor support and rebalancing guidance.

Why Not Direct Plan?
Direct plans look cheaper.

But they don’t guide you during market falls.

Many investors panic and exit early.

This leads to poor returns.

With MFD + CFP support, you stay invested longer.

Long-term behaviour matters more than cost.

Why Not Index Funds?
Index funds blindly follow the market.

No protection during market fall.

No fund manager to adjust strategy.

Active large-cap or balanced funds adapt better.

At your age, protection is more important than chasing index.

Important Tax Point
Debt funds and balanced advantage funds are taxed as per income tax slab.

If you hold for 3+ years, tax is less due to indexation benefit in earlier rules.

But now, for debt funds, tax is same as your slab.

So, choose based on your tax slab also.

But do not let tax alone decide. Safety is first.

Final Insights
Your Rs. 10L should grow slowly and stay safe.

Split into 3 buckets: short-term, mid-term, and medium-risk.

Liquid fund for liquidity.

Short-term debt for capital stability.

Balanced advantage for gentle growth.

This mix gives you flexibility, return and low risk.

Please review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

He/she will help you shift the mix if your goal or market changes.

No need to chase high returns. Protect capital, grow steadily.

You already took a right step by asking before investing.

That clarity helps avoid mistakes.

With this structure, your money can stay safe and still grow.

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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