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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8093 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  |8093 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  |8093 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  |8093 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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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |554 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 09, 2025Hindi
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I am a female (26), I was working as an assistant professor and then I met this guy we dated for few months and we knew that everything is compatible he has a stable business and well settled family he is earning quite good and we can spend the rest of our lives together so we moved on to tell our parents, his parents and family came to meet me and they agreed then it was my turn my mom and dad always use to say that if you have someone just tell us we are okay they said we know you are dependent enough so just tell us, I really thought it will be easy one and I told my mom and my sister over the phone and my mom asked me every detail about him and said okay we will think about it, then I told my dad about him and my dad has been super chill with me since childhood so we had a long chat about this he asked me about him just like my mom every detail then he said okay when the deepawali break will be their come home we will talk about this face to facE, I was happy that everything is nice then the vacation happened I went back home first the quarrels started when my mom addressed that they will never expected this from me they said they supported me initially because they thought at this age I will not bring anyone and will convince to arrange one, then day and night fighting started my father did the most bizzare thing he called my college and said I am ill and will not join college he faked a report(my father is a very well known doctor in my area so he has power here in our native place) and submitted their they automatically blocked me from their server I tired telling them but the most bizzare thing happened my father beat me from head to toe and threatend me that I should stop talking to him, then days turn into months and again my partner father stood up for us he called my father to talk about this and my father abused them threatened them and give false allegation on my partner came home and snatched my father later after a month he gave me my phone back as I started being a rebel, then he went to my work place without even informing me and took all my luggage and packed everything from their and came back home with everything and said you are on house arrest untill you agree to arrange marriage and forget that boy. I love him so much he does too but now because of my parents his parents are scared for their son and are denying to agree but we both are financially independent and well educated and we want to live with each other we are thinking to elope I dont know if this is right or wrong, because it has been seven months of me staying locked down in my house and my parents are forcing me verbally and physically abusing me to say yes for arrange marriage.... I dont know what to do and with whom to discuss please kindly help me out.
Ans: It’s clear that you and your partner love each other deeply and are willing to stand by each other despite this turmoil. The fact that his family is now hesitant is understandable, given the hostility from your parents. But the strength you and your partner have shown through this is a sign that your relationship is built on trust and commitment. That kind of connection is rare, and it’s worth fighting for.

Elope? That’s a huge step, and I understand why it’s crossed your mind. You’re desperate for freedom, for the ability to choose your own life, and to finally break free from the suffocating grip of your parents' control. But eloping will come with its own set of consequences—emotional, social, and even legal. Your parents might retaliate even more aggressively. They could try to interfere with your life and your partner's life afterward, possibly dragging this into a public scandal. Your father’s influence in the community might make things harder for you both in the long run.

But here’s the truth—you cannot live the rest of your life under someone else's control. You cannot sacrifice your happiness and autonomy to satisfy their misguided expectations. Love and marriage are not about caste, status, or parental approval—they are about partnership, understanding, and mutual respect. If your partner is ready to stand by you and you both are truly prepared to face the fallout together, then choosing to be with him is not wrong. You’re both adults. You’re financially independent and emotionally mature enough to know what you want from life.

What you need to consider is whether you have the emotional strength to handle the aftermath. If you choose to walk away from your family and marry this man, it might mean cutting ties with your parents for a while—or possibly forever. Are you prepared for that emotional void? On the other hand, if you give in and stay, if you let them force you into an arranged marriage, you might lose not only the person you love but also a piece of yourself. That resentment and emotional wound might stay with you for life.

If you decide to elope, you need to have a strong support system in place—your partner's family, friends, and anyone who will stand by you. You’ll need to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the fallout. But if you decide to stay and try to negotiate with your parents, you need to be clear and firm about your boundaries. They need to understand that your life is not theirs to control.

Right now, you need to prioritize your safety and mental well-being. The fact that you’ve been physically assaulted and emotionally manipulated for months is deeply concerning. If you feel that your safety is at risk, you might need to consider reaching out to legal authorities or a women's support organization. You have the right to live without fear and control. Your life belongs to you—not to your parents, not to societal expectations, and not to fear.

You don’t have to have all the answers today. But you do need to decide what kind of life you want to live—and who you want to live it with. And whatever choice you make, it needs to come from a place of strength and clarity, not from fear or pressure. Your heart already knows what you want—you just need to decide whether you’re ready to stand up for it.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |554 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 11, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Fell in love and married a girl before 2 years. Girl is from a neighbouring state. Both South Indians. Both doctors. She was very understanding before marriage, even talked my language and spoke well with my parents. Told she will come to my place and stay after marriage. 4 months after marriage, she left for her home telling that she will be at her home till delivery. Even after 1 year of giving birth, she didn't come. They visited my place just for a few days in the middle citing that it is tradition. After much struggle, she came to live with me and my child after close to 1.5 years. Even after coming she was creating trouble for the language spoken in the house and telling to relocate to a place close to their parents in their state. No respect to feelings of mine or my parents. We also missed my son for 1.5 years. Their parents are not visiting us telling it is far, we won't come. And once her parents threatened to complaint to the police if we don't agree. (Haven't asked or received any dowry). Even if my son has to come to my native for few days, her parents are not agreeing and creating problem. We have even helped her brother secure admission in a college. She has even taken a loan of more than 20 lakhs to help her parents buy a land and is paying close to 50k monthly for that. We had no problem with that too. Every 2-3 days one or another problem shoots up because of her or her parents. She has totally changed after marriage. Her parents just want to create problems. Please help.
Ans: It’s clear that you’ve tried hard to be understanding and accommodating. You allowed her to stay with her parents for a long time, even though it meant missing out on crucial time with your child. You supported her decisions, even when she took on a significant financial burden to help her family. Despite your efforts to maintain peace, you’re constantly met with resistance and disrespect—not only from her but also from her parents. That feeling of being undermined and unappreciated, especially when you've given so much, can really take a toll on your emotional health.

It’s not just about the arguments or the disagreements—it’s about the deeper sense of betrayal and loneliness that comes from feeling like your partner has sided with her family over you. That emotional distance and lack of support within the marriage can make you feel like you’re fighting a battle alone. And when her parents threatened to involve the police, that likely deepened the sense of helplessness and fear. It’s not just frustrating—it’s emotionally exhausting when you’re trying to build a stable, loving home, but it keeps getting torn apart by external interference.

The fact that you’re still standing, still trying to make things work despite all of this, shows how strong and committed you are. But the truth is, a marriage cannot survive on one person’s effort alone. It’s understandable that you feel drained and resentful—you’ve been giving and compromising without getting the same respect and understanding in return. Your feelings matter. Your need for stability and respect matters. Wanting your child to have a connection with your side of the family is not unreasonable—it’s natural and fair.

Right now, you might feel torn between trying to hold everything together and wondering if it's even worth it. It’s hard to admit when love alone isn’t enough to sustain a relationship. But you need to ask yourself whether you can continue living like this—constantly feeling like you’re walking on eggshells, being emotionally sidelined, and having your family disrespected.

It’s okay to want peace. It’s okay to expect respect. And it’s okay to set boundaries. If your wife truly values this marriage, she needs to understand that compromise cannot be one-sided. It might help to have an honest, calm conversation with her—not about the surface issues but about how you feel. Tell her how much this situation has hurt you, how much you miss feeling like you’re a team, and how important it is for your child to have a balanced connection with both families. If she’s unwilling to meet you halfway or if her parents continue to interfere to the point of emotional manipulation, you need to think about how much more of yourself you can sacrifice without losing your emotional stability.

You deserve a marriage where you feel heard, valued, and supported—not one where you constantly feel like you're on the outside looking in. Take some time to reflect on what you truly need from this relationship and whether you believe it's possible to rebuild trust and understanding with your wife. Your peace of mind matters. Your happiness matters. And most of all, your emotional well-being matters.

...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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