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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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 - May 16, 2024Hindi
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I am 40 yrs old working in central govt. I want to know how much Mutual Fund SIP should I have per month to get a return of 2 crore in 18 yrs

Ans: Planning Mutual Fund SIPs for Long-Term Wealth Accumulation
Understanding Your Financial Goal
It's commendable that you're proactively planning for your financial future. Setting a clear goal is the first step towards achieving financial success.

Analyzing the Investment Horizon and Target Corpus
With an investment horizon of 18 years and a target corpus of ?2 crore, you have a reasonable timeframe to work with.

Estimating Required SIP Amount
To calculate the required SIP amount, we'll consider factors such as expected rate of return, inflation, and compounding.

Factoring in Expected Rate of Return
Given the long-term nature of your goal, a balanced approach with a mix of equity and debt funds can be suitable. Historically, equity investments have yielded higher returns over the long term, albeit with higher volatility.

Considering Inflation and Compounding
Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time. Hence, it's essential to account for inflation when estimating your target corpus. Additionally, compounding plays a crucial role in accelerating wealth accumulation, especially over extended periods.

Constructing a Hypothetical Portfolio
Based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon, we can construct a diversified portfolio comprising equity and debt funds.

Assessing SIP Amount
The required SIP amount can vary depending on the expected rate of return and the frequency of investments. By using SIP calculators or consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), you can determine the optimal SIP amount to achieve your target corpus.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds offer the advantage of professional fund management, wherein experienced fund managers actively research and select investment opportunities. This active management can potentially lead to superior returns compared to passively managed funds.

Risks of Direct Stock Investing
Direct stock investing requires significant time, expertise, and research to build a well-diversified portfolio. Moreover, individual stocks are subject to market volatility and company-specific risks.

Advantages of Regular Funds Investing through MFDs with CFP Credentials
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) accredited Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) offers several benefits, including personalized advice, portfolio monitoring, and access to a wide range of funds. Regular funds may have slightly higher expense ratios than direct funds, but the guidance provided by an MFD can outweigh this difference.

Conclusion
By systematically investing in mutual fund SIPs aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance, you can work towards achieving a target corpus of ?2 crore in 18 years. Regular review and adjustments to your investment strategy, as well as staying focused on the long term, are crucial for success.

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  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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I am 37 year old. I am investing 15000 per month in sip since 3 months, how much I need to pay sip to get 3 crore at age 55 and what should be portfolio for each mutual fund. My current portfolio is hdfc smallcap 250 index fund, hdfc 150 midcap 150 index fund, Motilal Oswal 200 Momentum 30 index fund, Edelweiss 150 Momentum 50 Midcap index fund.
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach towards financial planning. Let's devise a strategy to achieve your goal of accumulating 3 crore by age 55 through SIP investments.

Determining SIP Amount Required
To calculate the SIP amount required to accumulate 3 crore in 18 years, we'll use a systematic approach:

Calculate Future Value (FV): Using a financial calculator or online tool, compute the future value of your investments based on an assumed rate of return. For this goal, let's assume a conservative annual return of 10%.

Compute Monthly SIP: Divide the future value by the number of months (18 years * 12 months) to determine the monthly SIP amount needed to reach your goal.

Portfolio Allocation for SIP Investments
Considering your current portfolio and goal horizon, let's optimize your portfolio allocation for each mutual fund:

HDFC Small Cap Index Fund: Continue investing 250 units per month. Small-cap funds offer growth potential but are relatively riskier. However, they are essential for diversification and long-term growth.

HDFC Midcap 150 Index Fund: Allocate 150 units per month. Mid-cap funds provide exposure to mid-sized companies with growth potential, balancing risk and return in your portfolio.

Motilal Oswal 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund: Invest 200 units per month. This fund focuses on high momentum stocks, aiming to capture the market's upside potential while managing downside risk.

Edelweiss Midcap 150 Momentum 50 Index Fund: Allocate 150 units per month. This fund combines mid-cap exposure with a momentum-based strategy, enhancing portfolio diversification and potential returns.

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through active stock selection and portfolio management, while index funds passively track a specific index's performance.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:
Actively managed funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to index funds, especially during market inefficiencies or when skilled fund managers can identify lucrative investment opportunities. Additionally, active management allows for flexibility in portfolio construction and adjustments based on market conditions.
Potential Disadvantages of Index Funds:
While index funds offer low expense ratios and broad market exposure, they may lack the potential for outperformance compared to actively managed funds. Additionally, they're subject to tracking error, which occurs when the fund's performance deviates from the index it's designed to replicate.

Your commitment to financial planning is commendable. By adhering to a disciplined investment approach, diversifying your portfolio, and setting realistic goals, you're laying a strong foundation for financial success. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and keep monitoring your investments periodically to ensure they remain aligned with your objectives.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

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Dear sir, I am 25 Years old, I have a plan to invest in SIP /MUTUAL FUND 20000 per month for 20 years. I want to know the amount i get at the time of my age 45 years. and could you suggest me the profitable for my aim and retired...
Ans: Congratulations on planning to invest Rs. 20,000 monthly in SIPs for 20 years! Starting early and being consistent are key to building substantial wealth. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve your financial goals.

Understanding the Power of SIP
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This disciplined approach has several benefits:

Rupee Cost Averaging: Buying units at varying prices averages out market volatility.
Compounding: Long-term investments significantly grow due to compound interest.
Disciplined Saving: Regular investments instil financial discipline.
Projected Returns
Investing Rs. 20,000 monthly for 20 years can yield substantial returns. Assuming an average annual return of 12% (common for equity mutual funds), here’s a rough estimate of your investment growth:

Investment Period: 20 years
Total Investment: Rs. 48 lakhs
Estimated Returns: Approx. Rs. 1.5 to 2 crores
This estimate assumes the power of compounding and market performance over a long period.

Diversifying Your Investments
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity funds are ideal for long-term goals due to their potential for higher returns. Diversify your investment across:

Large-Cap Funds: Invest in established companies for stability.
Mid-Cap Funds: Target growing companies for higher returns.
Small-Cap Funds: Invest in emerging companies for aggressive growth.
Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt investments, balancing risk and return. They can be suitable if you prefer a moderate risk approach.

Aggressive Hybrid Funds: Higher equity exposure for growth.
Conservative Hybrid Funds: Higher debt exposure for stability.
Choosing the Right Funds
Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have professional managers aiming to outperform the market. They adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, potentially yielding higher returns.

Regular Plans with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Investing through a CFP provides several benefits:

Expert Advice: Tailored investment strategies.
Portfolio Management: Regular reviews and adjustments.
Risk Management: Balancing risk according to your profile.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Portfolio
Regularly review your portfolio with your CFP. Adjust your investments based on:

Performance: Shift funds from underperforming to outperforming schemes.
Goals: Update your investment strategy as your goals evolve.
Market Conditions: Rebalance to align with changing market dynamics.
Risk Management
Diversification
Diversifying across various funds and asset classes reduces risk. It ensures that poor performance in one area doesn’t significantly impact your overall portfolio.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This ensures liquidity for unforeseen circumstances, preventing the need to liquidate your investments.

Tax Efficiency
Mutual funds offer tax advantages:

Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains (held over one year) are taxed at 10% beyond Rs. 1 lakh per annum.
Debt Funds: Long-term capital gains (held over three years) are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Over-Reliance on High-Risk Investments
Balance high-risk, high-reward investments with stable options to protect your capital.

Ignoring Inflation
Ensure your investments outpace inflation. Equity funds, despite short-term volatility, usually beat inflation over the long term.

Not Having a Clear Plan
Stick to a well-structured plan. Regular reviews and adjustments help stay aligned with your financial goals.

Conclusion
By investing Rs. 20,000 monthly in a diversified mix of mutual funds, you can achieve significant financial growth. A disciplined approach through SIPs, guided by a Certified Financial Planner, will ensure you meet your financial goals. Regular monitoring and adjustments will keep your portfolio on track.

Starting early and staying consistent will help you build a substantial corpus for your future. Best of luck with your investments!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 24, 2025

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My self sandeep age 40, i want to start investing in SIP with yearly increases of 10% for next 20 years. Rs.2500 per month with medium risk. please advise which mutual fund would be suitable for me. additionally if possible please respond to the following queries. 1-After 20 years how much will i get in return. 2-How much is required for a corpus of 1 crore in return. Thank you.
Ans: our approach to systematic investment is excellent. A disciplined SIP strategy, along with annual increments, can generate significant wealth over 20 years. Below is a detailed assessment and recommendations.

Key Observations
Medium Risk Preference: You prefer moderate risk. A balanced mix of funds is required.

Long Investment Horizon: 20 years is sufficient for equity to outperform other asset classes.

SIP with Annual Increment: Increasing the SIP by 10% each year enhances returns through compounding.

Target Corpus of Rs. 1 Crore: Requires a structured plan with the right fund selection.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
No Certified Financial Planner Guidance: Direct funds lack professional monitoring and timely strategy adjustments.

Higher Risk of Wrong Selection: Fund selection requires expertise. Investors may choose underperforming funds.

No Portfolio Rebalancing Support: Regular funds through an MFD with a Certified Financial Planner ensure periodic review.

Not Ideal for Long-Term Wealth Creation: Actively managed regular funds provide higher growth potential.

Fund Selection Strategy
Diversified Equity Allocation: Large-cap and flexi-cap funds provide stability and steady growth.

Mid and Small-Cap Exposure: A portion in mid-cap funds ensures long-term high growth.

Hybrid Fund for Stability: Including a balanced fund reduces volatility while maintaining returns.

Thematic/Sectoral Fund for Additional Growth: A small allocation to specific sectors enhances portfolio returns.

Estimated Returns After 20 Years
Exact future values depend on market conditions.

Assuming 12% annual returns, the corpus can grow significantly.

Increasing SIP by 10% annually improves final wealth accumulation.

A disciplined approach ensures financial goals are met.

SIP Required for Rs. 1 Crore Corpus
A systematic approach can help reach the Rs. 1 crore target.

The required SIP amount depends on expected returns and tenure.

Higher returns need a well-diversified fund selection strategy.

Regular monitoring ensures alignment with financial goals.

Final Insights
Your SIP plan is well-structured. Increasing contributions yearly accelerates wealth creation.

Diversification across market caps and sectors improves long-term returns.

Avoid direct funds. Investing through an MFD with a Certified Financial Planner optimizes performance.

Stay invested for the full tenure. Market fluctuations are normal in long-term investing.

Periodic review of fund performance ensures continued alignment with financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2025Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am 56 yrs old with two sons, both married and settled. They are living on their own and managing their finances. I have around 2.5 Cr. invested in Direct Equity and 50L in Equity Mutual Funds. I have Another 50L savings in Bank and other secured investments. I am living in Delhi NCR in my owned parental house. I have two properties of current market worth of 2 Cr, giving a monthly rental of around 40K. I wish to retire and travel the world now with my wife. My approximate yearly expenditure on house hold and travel will be around 24 L per year. I want to know, if this corpus is enough for me to retire now and continue to live a comfortable life.
Ans: You have built a strong base. You have raised your sons well. They live independently. You and your wife now want a peaceful and enjoyable retired life. You have created wealth with discipline. You have no home loan. You live in your own house. This gives strength to your cash flow. Your savings across equity, mutual funds, and bank deposits show good clarity. I appreciate your careful preparation. You deserve a happy retired life with travel and comfort.

» Your Present Position
Your current financial position looks very steady. You hold direct equity of around Rs 2.5 Cr. You hold equity mutual funds worth Rs 50 lakh. You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits and other secured savings. Your two rental properties add more comfort. You earn around Rs 40,000 per month from rent. You also live in your owned house in Delhi NCR. So you have no rent expense.

Your total net worth crosses Rs 5.5 Cr easily. This gives you a strong base for your retired life. You plan to spend around Rs 24 lakh per year for all expenses, including travel. This is reasonable for your lifestyle. Your savings can support this if planned well. You have built more than the minimum needed for a comfortable retired life.

» Your Key Strengths
You already enjoy many strengths. These strengths hold your plan together.

You have zero housing loan.

You have stable rental income.

You have children living independently.

You have a balanced mix of assets.

You have built wealth with discipline.

You have clear goals for travel and lifestyle.

You have strong liquidity with Rs 50 lakh in bank and secured savings.

These strengths reduce risk. They support a smooth retired life with less stress. They also help you handle inflation and medical costs better.

» Your Cash Flow Needs
Your yearly expense is around Rs 24 lakh. This includes travel, which is your main dream for retired life. A couple at your stage can keep this lifestyle if the cash flow is planned well. You need cash flow clarity for the next 30 years. Retirement at 56 can extend for three decades. So your wealth must support you for a long period.

Your rental income gives you around Rs 4.8 lakh per year. This covers almost 20% of your yearly spending. This reduces pressure on your investments. The rest can come from a planned withdrawal strategy from your financial assets.

You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits. This acts as liquidity buffer. You can use this buffer for short-term and medium-term needs. You also have equity exposure. This can support long-term growth.

» Risk Capacity and Risk Need
Your risk capacity is moderate to high. This is because:

You own your home.

You have rental income.

Your children are financially independent.

You have large accumulated assets.

You have enough liquidity in bank deposits.

Your risk need is also moderate. You need growth because inflation will rise. Travel costs will rise. Medical costs will increase. Your lifestyle will change with age. Your equity portion helps you beat inflation. But your equity exposure must be managed well. You should avoid sudden large withdrawals from equity at the wrong time.

Your stability allows you to keep some portion in equity even during retired life. But you should avoid excessive risk through direct equity. Direct equity carries concentration risk. A balanced mix of high-quality mutual funds is safer in retired life.

» Direct Equity Risk in Retired Life
You hold around Rs 2.5 Cr in direct equity. This brings some concerns. Direct equity needs frequent tracking. It needs research. It carries single-stock risk. One mistake may reduce your capital. In retired life, you need stability, clarity, and lower volatility.

Direct funds inside mutual funds also bring challenges. Direct funds lack personalised support. Regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor with a Certified Financial Planner bring guidance and strategy. Regular funds also support better tracking and behaviour management in volatile markets. In retired life, proper handholding improves long-term stability.

Many people think direct funds save cost. But the value of advisory support through a CFP gives higher net gains over long periods. Direct plans also create more confusion in asset allocation for retirees.

» Mutual Funds as a Core Support
Actively managed mutual funds remain a strong pillar. They bring professional management and risk controls. They handle market cycles better than index funds. Index funds follow the market blindly. They do not help in volatile phases. They also offer no risk protection. They cannot manage quality of stocks.

Actively managed funds deliver better selection and risk handling. A retiree benefits from such active strategy. You should avoid index funds for a long retirement plan. You should prefer strong active funds under a disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD support.

» Why Regular Plans Work Better for Retirees
Direct plans give no guidance. Retired investors often face emotional decisions. Some panic during market fall. Some withdraw heavily during market rise. This harms wealth. Regular plan under a CFP-led MFD gives a relationship. It offers disciplined rebalancing. It improves long-term returns. It protects wealth from poor behaviour.

For retirees, the difference is huge. So shifting to regular plans for the mutual fund portion will help long-term stability.

» Your Withdrawal Strategy
A planned withdrawal strategy is key for your case. You should create three layers.

Short-Term Bucket
This comes from your bank deposits. This should hold at least 18 to 24 months of expenses. You already have Rs 50 lakh. This is enough to hold your short-term cash needs. You can use this for household costs and some travel. This avoids panic selling of equity during market downturn.

Medium-Term Bucket
This bucket can stay partly in low-volatility debt funds and partly in hybrid options. This should cover your next 5 to 7 years. This helps smoothen withdrawals. It gives regular cash flow. It reduces market shocks.

Long-Term Bucket
This can stay in high-quality equity mutual funds. This bucket helps beat inflation. This bucket helps fund your travel dreams in later years. This bucket also builds buffer for medical needs.

This three-bucket strategy protects your lifestyle. It also keeps discipline and clarity.

» Handling Property and Rental Income
Your properties give Rs 40,000 monthly rental. This helps your cash flow. You should maintain the property well. You should keep some funds aside for repairs. Do not depend fully on rental growth. Rental yields remain low. But your rental income reduces pressure on your investments. So keep the rental income as a steady support, not a primary source.

You should not plan more real estate purchase. Real estate brings low returns and poor liquidity. You already own enough. Holding more can hurt flexibility in retired life.

» Planning for Medical Costs
Medical costs rise faster than inflation. You and your wife need strong health coverage. You should maintain a reliable health insurance. You should also keep a medical fund from your bank deposits. You may keep around 3 to 4 lakh per year as a buffer for medical needs. Your bank savings support this.

Health coverage reduces stress on your long-term wealth. It also avoids large withdrawals from your growth assets.

» Travel Planning
Travel is your main dream now. You can plan your travel using your short-term and medium-term buckets. You can take funds annually from your liquidity bucket. You can avoid touching long-term equity assets for travel. This approach keeps your wealth stable.

You should plan travel for the next five years with a budget. You should adjust your travel based on markets and health. Do not use entire gains of equity for travel. Keep travel budget fixed. Add small adjustments only when needed.

» Inflation and Lifestyle Stability
Inflation will impact lifestyle. At Rs 24 lakh per year today, the cost may double in 12 to 14 years. Your equity exposure helps you beat this. But you need careful rebalancing. You also need disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD. This will help you manage inflation and maintain comfort.

Your lifestyle is stable because your children live independently. So your cash flow demand stays predictable. This makes your plan sustainable.

» Longevity Risk
Retirement at 56 means you may live till 85 or 90. Your plan should cover long years. Your total net worth of around Rs 5.5 Cr to Rs 6 Cr can support this. But you need a proper drawdown strategy. Avoid high withdrawals in early years. Keep your travel budget steady.

Do not depend on one asset class. A mix of debt and equity gives comfort. Keep your bank deposits as cushion.

» Succession and Estate Planning
Since you have two sons who are settled, you can plan a clear will. Clear distribution avoids conflict. You can also assign nominees across accounts. You can also review your legal papers. This gives peace to you and your family.

» Summary of Your Retirement Readiness
Based on your assets and cash flow, you are ready to retire. You have enough wealth. You have enough liquidity. You have enough income support from rent. You also have good asset mix. With proper planning, your lifestyle is comfortable.

You can retire now. But maintain a disciplined withdrawal strategy. Shift more reliance from direct equity into professionally managed mutual funds under regular plans. Keep your liquidity strong. Review once every year with a CFP.

Your wealth can support your travel dreams for many years. You can enjoy retired life with confidence.

» Finally
Your preparation is strong. Your intentions are clear. Your lifestyle needs are reasonable. Your assets support your dreams. With a balanced plan, steady review, and mindful spending, you can enjoy a comfortable retired life with your wife. You can travel the world without fear of running out of money. You deserve this peace and joy.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

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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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