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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 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  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

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My self Neeraj Bajpai and invested Rs. 47000.00 per month in mutual fund through SIP in Axis m/f, SBI Contra fund, Nippon fund, Parag Parikh, Motilal Oswal, Tata etc. My Goal is 2 CR next 9.5 years, its is sufficient. Already invesedt in M/F in Rs. 20 Lakhs for next 9.5 years. Please advise me.
Ans: Hello Neeraj, it's great to see your commitment to investing in mutual funds through SIPs for your financial goals. Let's delve into your situation and explore whether your current investment strategy aligns with your goal of accumulating 2 crores in the next 9.5 years.

Here are some key points to consider:

Current Investment: Your monthly SIP of Rs. 47,000 spread across various mutual fund schemes indicates a disciplined approach towards wealth creation.
Goal Analysis: Your target of accumulating 2 crores in the next 9.5 years is ambitious yet achievable with proper planning and consistent investing.
Assessment of Investment Horizon: With a relatively short time horizon of 9.5 years, it's essential to strike a balance between growth-oriented and stable investment options.
Diversification: Your investment portfolio appears diversified across multiple mutual fund schemes, which is a prudent approach to mitigate risks and capture potential returns from various market segments.
Risk Management: Given the volatility inherent in equity markets, it's crucial to periodically assess and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains in line with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitoring the performance of your mutual fund investments and making necessary adjustments based on changing market conditions and your evolving financial situation is imperative for long-term success.
Professional Guidance: While you're already on the right track with your investments, seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner can provide you with personalized insights and strategies to optimize your portfolio for achieving your financial goals.
In summary, while your current investment approach demonstrates prudence and commitment, it's essential to continue monitoring your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your goal of accumulating 2 crores in the next 9.5 years. With proper planning, discipline, and professional guidance, you can work towards achieving financial security and prosperity for yourself and your loved ones.

Keep up the good work, Neeraj, and stay focused on your financial goals. Your dedication to investing will undoubtedly yield fruitful results in the years to come.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 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  |8334 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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2025
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I am 38 years old and self-employed, earning an average of 1.8 to 2 lakhs per month. I have a home loan of 44 lakhs (EMI is 46,000, tenure 15 years). There is no other liabilities. My investments include 11 lakhs in mutual funds, 3 lakhs in fixed deposits, and 1.5 lakh in gold. Should I focus on prepaying the home loan given my irregular income, or keep my investments intact and continue with EMIs?
Ans: You are doing quite well, especially with your investments and controlled liabilities. Your financial discipline is truly appreciable.

You are 38, self-employed, with Rs.1.8 to 2 lakhs monthly income.
Your current home loan is Rs.44 lakhs with EMI of Rs.46,000 for 15 years.
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds, Rs.3 lakhs in FDs, and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.
Your income is irregular, but you have no other liabilities.

Let us now do a 360-degree evaluation of whether to prepay the loan or stay invested.

 

Step-by-Step Financial Assessment
1. Evaluate the Stability of Your Income First
You earn between Rs.1.8 to Rs.2 lakhs per month.

 

But income is irregular. That needs caution.

 

Loan EMI is Rs.46,000 — about 25% of your average income.

 

If income drops in any month, EMI pressure will increase.

 

So we must first ensure EMI is always affordable, without stress.

 

Hence, liquidity is more important for you right now than aggressive loan prepayment.

 

2. Evaluate Your Emergency Reserve
You have Rs.3 lakhs in FD and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.

 

That makes it Rs.4.5 lakhs total liquid safety.

 

Your EMI is Rs.46,000, and personal expenses will also be there.

 

Ideal emergency fund for you = 6 to 9 months of expenses + EMI.

 

That is around Rs.6 to Rs.8 lakhs minimum.

 

So current emergency fund is slightly lower than ideal.

 

Please don’t use this for loan prepayment now.

 

3. Assess the Role of Mutual Funds
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds. That’s a solid step.

Now let’s assess whether to redeem this and prepay loan.

 

Should You Redeem Mutual Funds to Prepay?
Mutual funds, over long term, give better post-tax return than loan savings.

 

Loan interest is 8% to 9%, whereas mutual funds can give 11–13% in long term.

 

Especially if funds are equity-oriented and held for 5+ years.

 

You will also get capital gains tax exemption on Rs.1.25 lakhs LTCG annually.

 

If you redeem funds, you lose growth potential and compounding.

 

That hurts long-term wealth building.

 

So, do not redeem the entire Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds.

 

4. Disadvantage of Early Loan Prepayment in Your Case
Prepaying early will reduce interest over time, yes.

 

But you may run into cash flow stress in slow months.

 

Once money is used to prepay, it cannot be taken back easily.

 

Liquidity once lost = flexibility lost.

 

Also, income tax benefit under Section 24(b) gets reduced if loan balance drops.

 

So it’s better to maintain balance between repayment and investment.

 

5. Best Strategy for You – A Balanced Approach
Let’s now craft the best plan for you.

 

Maintain Strong Liquidity First
Keep FD and gold untouched.

 

Increase emergency fund to at least Rs.6–Rs.7 lakhs.

 

For that, set aside extra Rs.2.5–Rs.3 lakhs from savings over time.

 

This makes your EMI safe even in low-income months.

 

Continue Your Mutual Fund SIPs Without Stopping
SIPs give long-term growth and beat loan interest in most cases.

 

Don’t stop mutual fund investments to prepay loan.

 

Stay invested. Let wealth compound.

 

Start Small and Periodic Prepayments
Don’t do bulk prepayment now. Do systematic small prepayments.

 

For example, Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 extra every 3–4 months.

 

When income is higher, use that surplus to prepay in parts.

 

Target 1–2 bulk part-payments per year.

 

This reduces tenure and interest slowly, without affecting liquidity.

 

Track Your Loan Amortisation Every 6 Months
Use netbanking or get a fresh loan statement every 6 months.

 

Check how each prepayment is reducing principal.

 

Adjust your strategy accordingly.

 

Avoid One-Time Full Prepayment
That would kill your long-term investment compounding.

 

Also removes your income tax benefit under Section 24(b).

 

Stay flexible. You are self-employed.

 

You need cash buffers more than salaried people.

 

Final Insights
Do not do bulk home loan prepayment from mutual funds now.

 

Keep SIPs going and maintain your compounding.

 

Grow your emergency fund to Rs.6–7 lakhs minimum.

 

Use surplus months to make small part-payments towards home loan.

 

This protects your peace and builds wealth at the same time.

 

Reassess in 2–3 years. You may be able to prepay more later.

 

You are already in a good financial position. Your thoughtful approach is praiseworthy.

 

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2025

Money
i wish to purchase new car i10, should i purchase the same through own money or should i take a vehicle loan from bank and the money own by my to be kept as FDR or liquid mutual fund
Ans: It’s a good sign that you’re thinking before buying a car. You’re not rushing into it. That shows maturity and smart thinking.

We will now evaluate own money vs vehicle loan — from every angle.

 

Understanding the Nature of a Car Purchase
A car is not an investment.

 

It is a consumption asset, not a growth asset.

 

It depreciates every year. Its value goes down, not up.

 

So the cheaper the total cost, the better for your wealth.

 

Option 1: Use Own Money Fully
Pros

No interest cost. You save on total expenses.

 

You are free from monthly EMI pressure.

 

Car becomes fully yours from day one.

 

No need to deal with bank, forms, hypothecation etc.

 

Cons

Your liquid money reduces.

 

You may not have enough cash for emergencies.

 

Opportunity loss if you had invested that money.

 

Option 2: Take Vehicle Loan & Keep Own Money in FDR or Liquid Mutual Fund
Let’s evaluate this with care.

Vehicle Loan Pros

You can preserve your savings for emergencies.

 

EMI can be budgeted monthly, if income is stable.

 

Some banks offer competitive interest rates.

 

Vehicle Loan Cons

You will pay interest on a depreciating item.

 

Loan adds to your monthly obligations.

 

You must pay insurance, EMI, fuel, and service together.

 

FDR and Liquid Mutual Funds give lower returns than loan cost.

 

So you will likely lose more in interest than you gain.

 

Let's Compare: Interest Rate vs Investment Return
Vehicle loan interest is usually 9% to 11% per year.

 

FDR gives around 6% to 7% before tax.

 

Liquid mutual funds give 6% to 7.5% on average.

 

So you pay more to the bank than you earn from investment.

 

Tax on interest or gains reduces actual return further.

 

This means taking a car loan and investing your own money leads to net loss.

 

Best Option for You: Smart Compromise Approach
Let me share a wise solution.

 

Don’t use full own money. Don’t take full loan either.

 

Instead, pay 70–80% from own funds.

 

Take a small car loan for the remaining 20–30% only.

 

This keeps EMI low and retains some liquidity.

 

You reduce interest cost and also keep Rs.50,000–Rs.1 lakh aside.

 

Park that in liquid fund for any urgent need.

 

Repay this small loan fast in 1–2 years.

 

Only Take a Car Loan If:
Your job income is stable.

 

You already have 3–6 months emergency fund ready.

 

You don’t have big loans running now.

 

You can pay EMI without affecting savings.

 

You commit to close the loan early.

 

Avoid This Mistake:
Never buy a more expensive car because loan makes it “feel affordable.”

 

Loan should not expand your car budget.

 

Whether you buy with loan or cash, pick a simple car within limits.

 

i10 is a wise, middle-ground choice. Good thought.

 

Tax Angle (If Business Use)
If you are using the car for business, vehicle loan interest may be tax-deductible.

 

But for personal use, there is no tax benefit.

 

So do not take loan just for imagined tax saving.

 

Final Insights
A car is a need, not an investment.

 

Using your own money fully keeps things simple and cheap.

 

Taking a full car loan and investing the money gives net negative return.

 

Best option is a split approach — pay major part from own funds.

 

Take small loan only if needed and close it early.

 

Always keep emergency money aside before buying.

 

Avoid emotional buying or overbudget cars.

 

Your financially balanced approach is very appreciable.

 

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

...Read more

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Anu Krishna  |1600 Answers  |Ask -

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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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