Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10925 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 05, 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 05, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Hi sir am 41yrs old and earning 91k per month and have saving of 1 lac . I have invested 15L in M.I.S ,6.38L in equities and 5k every month in s.i.p.I have two kids , am planning to buy house after 4 years worth 50L kindly tell me any investment plan ...so that I can cover the expense of kids education and marriage

Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach towards financial planning, especially considering your children's education and marriage expenses, as well as your goal of buying a house. Here's a tailored investment plan to help you achieve your objectives:

Education Fund for Children:
Open separate education funds or investment accounts for each child to save specifically for their education expenses.
Consider investing in Equity Mutual Funds or Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) for long-term growth potential, given your investment horizon.
Start a systematic investment plan (SIP) in diversified equity funds, aiming to accumulate sufficient funds by the time your children reach college age.
Marriage Fund for Children:
Similarly, create dedicated investment accounts for your children's marriage expenses to ensure you have adequate funds when needed.
Explore a mix of equity and debt investments based on your risk tolerance and time horizon.
Consider fixed-income instruments like Public Provident Fund (PPF), Fixed Deposits (FDs), or Debt Mutual Funds for stability and capital preservation.
House Purchase Fund:
Since you plan to buy a house in four years, focus on short to medium-term investment options to accumulate the required down payment.
Consider investing in Debt Mutual Funds or Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) for capital protection and relatively higher returns compared to traditional savings accounts.
Evaluate your risk appetite and liquidity needs when selecting investment vehicles for your house purchase fund.
Regular Review and Adjustment:
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Adjust your investment strategy as needed, considering changes in market conditions, personal circumstances, and goal priorities.
Emergency Fund:
Maintain a separate emergency fund equivalent to at least six months' worth of living expenses to cover unforeseen financial challenges or expenses.
Keep this fund in a liquid and easily accessible account such as a savings account or liquid mutual fund.
Consult with Financial Advisor:
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner or investment advisor to tailor an investment plan that suits your specific goals, risk profile, and financial situation.
A professional advisor can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate the complexities of investment planning, ensuring you make informed decisions.
By implementing a structured investment plan tailored to your goals and financial circumstances, you can work towards securing your children's future education and marriage expenses while also saving for your own house purchase. Stay disciplined in your savings and investment approach, and regularly monitor your progress towards achieving these important milestones
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10925 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Listen
Money
Sir I am 25 years old. I started investing at 23yrs of age and I have more than 4lakhs investment. 2lakhs in stocks and remaining is divided in small cap, mid cap, flexicap and infrastructure. Monthly I have sip of 6000. I have a dream of making a house for my family within 5years which will cost near about 2crore according to inflation rate. Please suggest me some investment plan. Thank you
Ans: Wow, that's a fantastic start! You're young and already investing – that's super smart. Having Rs. 4 lakh saved by 25 is impressive. Let's discuss your dream home and how to make it a reality.

5-Year Goal vs. Investment Strategy

A 2 crore house in 5 years is an ambitious target. Investment markets are great for long-term growth, but short-term goals require a different approach.

Focus on Saving & Security

Here's what I recommend for the next 5 years:

Prioritize Saving: Increase your monthly savings to reach your down payment target.
Lower Risk Investments: Invest in safer options like debt funds or fixed deposits.
Debt Funds for Stability

Debt funds invest in bonds and government securities, offering lower risk and predictable returns. This stability is key for your short-term goal.

Review and Reassess

After 5 years, you can revisit your investment strategy. With a down payment secured, you can explore options for financing the remaining home cost.

A CFP Can Help Navigate

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can create a personalized plan for you. They can help with:

Savings Strategy: Develop a plan to reach your down payment goal.
Investment Mix: Choose low-risk investments for the next 5 years.
Future Home Financing: Guide you on exploring loan options after 5 years.
Remember:

This is a general roadmap. A CFP can tailor a plan considering your income, risk tolerance, and existing investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10925 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 18, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 36 year old earning 1.9 lacs per month and my investment is 33.5 lacs in FD, 10 lacs in savings account, 6 lacs equity, 6 lacs bonds, 1 lacs in mutual fund, 24 lacs in PPF account,11 lacs in EPF, 9 lacs in SSY in my daughter's name ,16 lacs in PPF account of my wife. I have one daughter studying in ukg. Please suggest investment plan for my daughter's education and my retirement and we want to purchase home in 5 years.
Ans: First, let me compliment you on your proactive approach to managing your finances. You are already on the right track with diversified investments. Your goals for your daughter’s education, your retirement, and purchasing a home in five years are commendable.

Balancing various financial goals while ensuring your family’s future is not easy. I understand the importance of each of these milestones for you and your family. Let's create a strategic investment plan to help you achieve these objectives.

Your Current Investments
Fixed Deposit (FD): Rs 33.5 lakhs

Savings Account: Rs 10 lakhs

Equity: Rs 6 lakhs

Bonds: Rs 6 lakhs

Mutual Fund: Rs 1 lakh

PPF Account: Rs 24 lakhs (self), Rs 16 lakhs (wife)

EPF: Rs 11 lakhs

SSY: Rs 9 lakhs (daughter)

Diversification and Allocation Strategy
Prioritizing Goals
Daughter’s Education
Home Purchase in 5 Years
Retirement
Suggested Diversification:
1. Equity Mutual Funds

Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term growth. They have the potential for higher returns, albeit with higher risk.

Advantages:

High Returns: Potential for significant capital appreciation.
Diversification: Spread risk across various sectors and companies.
Professional Management: Expert fund managers handle your investments.
Disadvantages:

Market Volatility: Subject to market fluctuations.
No Guaranteed Returns: Returns vary based on market performance.
Recommended Allocation:

Allocate a portion of your savings account (e.g., Rs 5 lakhs) to equity mutual funds.
Continue with systematic investment plans (SIPs) in equity mutual funds for disciplined investing.
2. Debt Mutual Funds

Debt mutual funds are less volatile and provide stable returns. They are suitable for medium-term goals like home purchase.

Advantages:

Stability: Lower risk compared to equities.
Regular Income: Some funds offer regular interest payouts.
Liquidity: Easy to redeem.
Disadvantages:

Lower Returns: Generally lower than equity funds.
Interest Rate Risk: Returns affected by changes in interest rates.
Recommended Allocation:

Use a portion of your FD (e.g., Rs 10 lakhs) to invest in debt mutual funds.
This will provide a balance of safety and moderate returns.
3. Balanced or Hybrid Funds

Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt, providing a balanced approach. They are suitable for medium to long-term goals.

Advantages:

Diversification: Combines equity and debt in one fund.
Risk Management: Reduces risk through diversification.
Professional Management: Managed by experts.
Disadvantages:

Moderate Returns: Returns are lower than pure equity funds but higher than debt funds.
Market Risk: Still subject to market fluctuations.
Recommended Allocation:

Consider allocating Rs 5 lakhs from your savings account to hybrid funds.
This provides a mix of growth and stability.
Strategic Investment Plan
Step 1: Assess Risk Tolerance
Understand your risk tolerance to determine the right mix of equity and debt investments.

Step 2: Define Financial Goals
Clearly define your goals to create a focused investment plan.

Step 3: Create a Diversified Portfolio
Diversify your investments across various asset classes to manage risk and achieve better returns.

Step 4: Monitor and Review
Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals and make adjustments as needed.

Daughter’s Education Fund
SIPs for Long-Term Growth
Invest in SIPs in equity mutual funds for long-term growth. Given the time frame, equity mutual funds will help accumulate a significant corpus.

Advantages:

Power of Compounding: SIPs leverage compounding for long-term growth.
Rupee Cost Averaging: Reduces the impact of market volatility.
Recommended Strategy:

Allocate Rs 5,000 per month in equity SIPs for your daughter’s education.
This disciplined approach will help build a substantial education fund over time.
Home Purchase in 5 Years
Medium-Term Investments
For a home purchase in five years, a mix of debt and hybrid funds is ideal. They offer stability with moderate returns.

Recommended Strategy:

Invest Rs 10 lakhs in debt mutual funds.
Invest Rs 5 lakhs in hybrid funds.
This strategy balances safety and growth, ensuring your funds grow steadily without high risk.
Retirement Planning
Long-Term Growth with Stability
For retirement, a mix of PPF, EPF, and equity mutual funds ensures long-term growth with stability.

Recommended Strategy:

Continue contributing to PPF and EPF for guaranteed returns and tax benefits.
Allocate Rs 5 lakhs from your savings account to equity mutual funds for higher growth.
Invest Rs 5,000 monthly in SIPs focused on retirement.
Avoiding High-Risk Investments
Chasing High Returns
Chasing high returns in the short run is risky and often leads to losses. It’s important to avoid get-rich-quick schemes as they can wipe off your principal completely. Shortcuts in investments are often the longest routes, leading to stress and financial instability.

Disadvantages of High-Risk Investments:

High Volatility: Short-term investments in equities can be very volatile.
Stress and Anxiety: Constant monitoring and stress due to market fluctuations.
Potential Losses: High risk of losing your principal amount.
Benefits of Long-Term Investments
Power of Compounding

Compounding works best over the long term. Reinvesting returns generates additional returns, leading to exponential growth.

Strategic Diversification

Diversification across asset classes helps in managing risk while aiming for better returns.

Professional Management

Investing through mutual funds managed by certified financial planners ensures expert handling of your portfolio.

Final Insights
Achieving high returns with low risk in one year is unrealistic. A balanced, diversified portfolio with professional guidance can help you make informed decisions and optimize your returns. Regular monitoring and adjustments are essential to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Balanced Approach:

Equity Mutual Funds: For long-term growth.
Debt Mutual Funds: For medium-term stability.
Hybrid Funds: For a balanced approach.
Regular Review:

Regularly review your investments to stay on track with your goals.
Make adjustments based on market conditions and your changing needs.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10925 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 20, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I am 36 year old earning 1.9 lacs per month and my investment is 33.5 lacs in FD, 12 lacs in savings account, 6 lacs equity, 6 lacs bonds, 1.2 lacs in mutual fund, 24 lacs in PPF account,11 lacs in EPF, 9 lacs in SSY in my daughter's name investing 1.5lacs every year for her education,16 lacs in PPF account of my wife. I have one daughter studying in ukg. Please suggest investment plan for my daughter's education and my retirement and we want to purchase home in 5 years.
Ans: Assessing Your Financial Situation
You are 36 years old, earning Rs. 1.9 lakhs per month. You have a substantial amount saved and invested in various financial instruments. Your current assets include:

Fixed Deposit (FD): Rs. 33.5 lakhs
Savings Account: Rs. 12 lakhs
Equity: Rs. 6 lakhs
Bonds: Rs. 6 lakhs
Mutual Funds: Rs. 1.2 lakhs
PPF (Your Account): Rs. 24 lakhs
EPF: Rs. 11 lakhs
SSY (Daughter’s Account): Rs. 9 lakhs, with Rs. 1.5 lakhs invested annually
PPF (Wife’s Account): Rs. 16 lakhs
Your financial goals are:

Saving for your daughter’s education.
Planning for your retirement.
Purchasing a home in 5 years.
Investment Strategy for Daughter’s Education
Your daughter is currently in UKG. Assuming higher education starts at 18, you have around 12 years to save for her education.

SSY Account: Continue investing Rs. 1.5 lakhs annually. SSY offers a high interest rate and tax benefits. This will accumulate a significant amount by the time she needs it.

Equity Mutual Funds: Increase your investment in equity mutual funds. Equity funds offer higher returns over the long term. This will help in accumulating a larger corpus for her education.

Recurring Deposits (RD): Consider starting an RD for regular contributions. This will help in accumulating funds systematically.

Planning for Retirement
You need to plan for a comfortable retirement. You have substantial savings in EPF and PPF, but more diversified investments are needed.

Equity Mutual Funds: Increase your investment in equity mutual funds. These funds provide high growth potential and will help in building a substantial retirement corpus.

NPS (National Pension System): Consider investing in NPS. It provides tax benefits and helps in building a retirement corpus. NPS also offers an option for partial withdrawal.

Balanced Funds: Invest in balanced funds. These funds invest in both equity and debt, offering a balance of growth and stability.

Purchasing a Home in 5 Years
You plan to buy a home in 5 years. You need to save for the down payment and consider home loan options.

Fixed Deposits (FD): Continue with your FD investments. FDs are safe and offer guaranteed returns. This will ensure that your down payment amount is secure.

Debt Mutual Funds: Invest in debt mutual funds. These funds are less volatile and provide stable returns. They are suitable for short to medium-term goals.

Asset Allocation and Diversification
To achieve your financial goals, a diversified portfolio is crucial. Here is a suggested asset allocation:

Equity (including Mutual Funds): 40%
Debt (including Bonds and FDs): 40%
PPF and EPF: 20%
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have professional fund managers. They aim to outperform the market. Here are some benefits:

Professional Expertise: Fund managers use their expertise to select stocks, aiming for higher returns.

Flexibility: Actively managed funds can adjust portfolios based on market conditions.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem attractive due to lower expense ratios. However, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers several advantages:

Expert Guidance: A CFP provides personalized advice based on your financial goals.

Regular Monitoring: They monitor your investments and make adjustments as needed.

Peace of Mind: Having a professional manage your investments reduces the stress of decision-making.

Regular Review and Adjustments
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Market conditions change, and your portfolio should adapt. A CFP can help with this:

Performance Review: Check the performance of your funds annually.

Rebalancing: Adjust your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Final Insights
To achieve your financial goals, create a diversified portfolio. Invest in equity mutual funds, debt mutual funds, and maintain your PPF contributions. Use the SSY for your daughter’s education. Consider NPS for retirement savings. Regularly review your investments and make necessary adjustments. With disciplined investing, you can secure your daughter's education, your retirement, and buy a home in 5 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10925 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 20, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 36 year old earning 1.9 lacs per month and my investment is 33.5 lacs in FD, 12.5 lacs in savings account, 6 lacs equity, 6 lacs bonds, 1 lacs in mutual fund, 24 lacs in PPF account,4 lacs in NPS,11 lacs in EPF, 9 lacs in SSY in my daughter's name for her education,16 lacs in PPF account of my wife. I have one daughter studying in ukg. Please suggest investment plan for my daughter's education and my retirement and we want to purchase home in 5 years.
Ans: You have done an impressive job building a diverse investment portfolio. Your current financial situation reflects careful planning and disciplined saving habits. Given your goal to secure your daughter's education, your retirement, and purchasing a home in five years, let’s evaluate and create a comprehensive plan.

Current Financial Snapshot
Monthly Income: Rs 1.9 lacs
Fixed Deposits (FD): Rs 33.5 lacs
Savings Account: Rs 12.5 lacs
Equity: Rs 6 lacs
Bonds: Rs 6 lacs
Mutual Fund: Rs 1 lac
Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 24 lacs
National Pension System (NPS): Rs 4 lacs
Employees' Provident Fund (EPF): Rs 11 lacs
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Rs 9 lacs
Wife’s PPF: Rs 16 lacs
You have a healthy mix of traditional and market-linked investments. Now, let’s focus on your objectives.

Daughter’s Education Planning
Education costs are rising significantly. Given your daughter is in UKG, you have around 12 years before she enters college. Planning for this well in advance will ease the financial burden later.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY):

This is an excellent start. Continue contributing to SSY as it offers attractive returns and tax benefits.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

Start an SIP in equity mutual funds. SIPs help in rupee cost averaging and mitigate market volatility. Equity funds tend to offer higher returns over the long term.

Child Education Plans:

Consider investing in child education mutual funds. These are tailored to accumulate funds for your child's higher education. They come with a lock-in period which ensures the fund remains untouched until required.

Recurring Deposits (RD):

You can open a recurring deposit to systematically save a fixed amount every month. This will add to your education corpus.

Retirement Planning
A well-planned retirement strategy ensures a comfortable and financially independent retirement life. Here’s how you can enhance your retirement corpus.

Public Provident Fund (PPF):

PPF is a long-term investment with tax benefits and decent returns. Continue contributing to your and your wife's PPF accounts regularly.

National Pension System (NPS):

NPS provides a good retirement income solution. Increase your contribution to NPS as it offers market-linked returns with a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.

Equity Mutual Funds:

Continue investing in equity mutual funds via SIP. Equity has the potential to offer high returns over a long investment horizon. This will help build a substantial corpus for retirement.

Balanced Funds:

Consider balanced or hybrid mutual funds. These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt, providing moderate returns with relatively lower risk.

Employees' Provident Fund (EPF):

EPF is a significant component of retirement savings. Ensure you and your employer continue contributing to EPF regularly.

Home Purchase Planning
Purchasing a home is a major financial goal. Since you plan to buy a home in five years, let’s ensure you accumulate enough for a substantial down payment.

Fixed Deposits (FD):

Your current FD amount is significant. While FDs are safe, the returns are relatively lower. However, they are suitable for short-term goals like a home purchase.

Debt Mutual Funds:

Invest in short-term debt mutual funds. These funds offer better returns than savings accounts and FDs and are less volatile compared to equity funds.

Recurring Deposits (RD):

Set up an RD specifically for your home purchase goal. This will help in systematically accumulating funds over the next five years.

Liquid Funds:

Consider liquid mutual funds for better liquidity and slightly higher returns than savings accounts. These funds are suitable for parking funds temporarily.

Reallocation and Optimization
To optimize your portfolio for better returns and align with your goals, consider the following reallocations:

Reduce Savings Account Holdings:

Rs 12.5 lacs in a savings account is underutilized. Transfer a portion to short-term debt funds or RDs for better returns.

Re-evaluate Fixed Deposits:

While FDs are safe, diversify into debt funds for potentially higher returns without significantly increasing risk.

Increase Equity Exposure:

Given your long-term goals, slightly increasing your equity exposure could enhance overall portfolio returns. Balance this with your risk tolerance.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
Investments need regular monitoring. Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Make adjustments based on market conditions and personal financial changes.

Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can enhance your net returns. Ensure you maximize tax-saving investments under Section 80C, 80D, and other relevant sections. Utilize the benefits of tax-efficient investment options.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This fund should be easily accessible, kept in liquid funds or a savings account. It acts as a financial safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

Insurance Planning
Adequate insurance coverage is crucial. Ensure you have sufficient life and health insurance. Avoid investment-cum-insurance plans as they often provide lower returns. Opt for term insurance and separate investments.

Final Insights
You've built a solid foundation for your financial future. With systematic planning and disciplined investing, you can achieve your goals. Regularly review your investments and adjust them as needed to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |445 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 13, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Reetika, im aged 50 and have retired early. Was an NRI till 2024 and in 2025 returned to India. I was keen on investing in the mutual fund market and thus took the plunge. There were 2 aspects of my investment, a) Capital Appreciation , b) Income Growth towards monthly expenses. I had initially planned my monthly expenses post tax as 3 Lacs but having stayed here for a year Im looking at a figure of 2 lacs pm post tax. The corpus that i had set aside to invest was 7.5 Cr out of which I have done the following investments. 1) Chola Finance Perpetual Bonds 50 lacs . Coupon rate is currently 9.25 2) Sriram FD's 30 lacs @8.30 % for 3 years 3) Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - 42 lacs 4) HDFC Flexi Cap Fund - 43 Lacs 5) ICICI Prudential Opportunities Fund - 17 lakhs 6) Nippon Large Cap Fund - 10 Lakhs 7) HDFC Multi Asset Active FOF - 50 Lakhs 8 ) ICICI Prudential Multi Asset Fund - 1 cr 9) ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund - 1 cr 10 ) SBI Balanced Advantage Fund - 50 Lakhs 11) SBI Gold Fund 10 Lakhs In total it comes to 5.02 Cr. Investments started in May 2025, mutual funds under regular growth. I am yet to invest further in equity funds along with multi asset and fof. Whilst im ok in investing further im just not getting the confidence in equity as of now. Maybe as im a new entrant these jitters but somehow i dont want to committ further to equities given the current situation. Please review my portfolio and suggest any changes , also whats a good time to start on SWP from my BAF funds ? The BAF i invested in Sep 2025. Request you to also suggest my further investments ( amount wise ) in the different funds and how do i time them. Many Thanks
Ans: Hi,

Your 2 aspects of investment are completely ok. But the approach is not correct. The funds you have mentioned are overlapped and not recommended. A portfolio like this doesn't generate good returns for capital appreciation.
Are you taking anyone's help to choose these funds? If yes, you need a better professional. If no, work with a CFP to guide you.

Investing in equity markets now is ok. Understand your concern due to recent volatility and market movements but there's a away to invest in equity. you should connect with a Certified Planner to help you with your existing 5 crore investment ( yes it needs reallocation as soon as possible) and to allocate remaining 2 cr as per your profile.

SWP from BAF is not an ideal way of SWP. There is a different strategy altogether for covering your expenses of 2 lakh pm. So please hold on to do SWP for now. Things will become more complicated and your goal of capital appreciation can vanish.

Please connect with a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |445 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Ritika, I am 44-year-old (with old parents aged 73 years and 69 years respectively), with an overall experience of 20 years and currently out of work. I have financial outlay of around 1 lakh INR per month. I have following accrued around 2 CR INR in savings/investments in mine and parents’ name. Self 1. Cash/Bank Balance: 7,79,345 INR 2. Gold: 16,00,000 INR (at present Value) 3. Private Equity Investment: 3,00,000 INR (Current value not known) 4. EPF: 1,91,694 INR (Pension fund certificate to be issued) 5. PPF: 4,34,647 INR (maturing on March 31, 2027) 6. NPS: 7,17,082 INR (Present value, only money can be withdrawn) 7. Mutual Fund: 39,55,990 INR (present value) (Presently no SIP active) a. Kotak Midcap Fund Growth - 462074.39 INR b. Canara Robeco Large and Mid Cap Fund Growth - 232882.56 INR c. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Growth - 39890.59 INR d. UTI Floater Fund Growth - 140843.37 INR e. ICICI Prudential NASDAQ 100 Index Fund Growth - 4778.28 INR f. HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund Growth - 208010.52 INR g. ICICI Prudential Focused Equity Fund Direct Growth - 158680.09 INR h. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Growth - 906784.26 INR i. SBI Gold Fund Growth - 229485.03 INR j. Tata Large & Mid Cap Fund Growth - 525368.51 INR k. UTI Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth - 146678.84 INR l. Kotak Focused Fund Growth 500067.79 INR m. Mahindra Manulife Large & Mid Cap Fund Growth 199775.29 Parents (Both senior citizens) 1. Cash/Bank Balance: 21,85,343 INR 2. SCSS: 60,00,000 INR (receive quarterly returns 1,22,400 INR) 3. FD: 40,80,650 INR (approx. monthly return 26,500 INR) 4. RD: 2,06,397 INR (one expiring on Dec 04, 2025 and another around June 22, 2026) 5. Mutual Fund: 39,55,990 INR (present value) Mother a. HDFC Flexi Cap Direct Plan Growth - 5505.76 INR b. Nippon India Large Cap Fund Direct Growth - 5361.17 INR c. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Growth - 5303.59 INR Father a. HDFC Flexi Cap Fund Growth - 4611.13 INR b. HDFC Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth - 5414.97 INR c. Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth - 5150.97 INR d. HDFC Transportation and Logistics Fund Growth - 5024.97 INR e. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Growth - 4364.43 INR f. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Growth - 5297.8 INR Please let me know how can I rejig these investment/savings, so that I can fetch necessary returns to run my expenses, without depleting my existing corpus.
Ans: Hi,

I am so sorry to hear about your situation. But you have a very good corpus (whole family) at your age. This can easily fund your expenses till you find a job. Let us analyse the aspects in detail:
1. Cash - 7.7 lakhs in your account. This amount can fund you for 7 months. You can easily prepare for your job & give interviews without worrying for money.
2. Gold - Good but keep it without any thought of selling it.
3. Private equity - 3 lakhs. Direct equity investment is not recommended due to high exposure and continuous monitoring. You can shift this entire amount into mutual funds.
4. Mutual Funds - 39.5 lakhs. A very good corpus at your age. But the funds you mentioned are highly scattered and overlapped. This is one example of a portfolio that we will not recommend. This needs a serious rework. Work with a professional to realign all these funds and amounts keeping in mind your profile. Otherwise it will not give good returns.
And avoid doing the same by yourself as you need to focus on getting a job instead of trying to correct your portfolio. A professional's job is to do it for you.

Your parents assets:
1. Cash - 21 lakhs - quite big amount to keep as cash. Keep minimum of 5 lakhs as cash and do FD of remaining funds.
2. SCSS - 60 lakhs - good, continue.
3. FD - 40.8 lakhs - good but the interest is quite low and taxable. Instead consider putting this money in debt mutual funds.
4. Mutual Funds - both parents have very small amounts in a lot of funds. It is of no use. You can redeem all these funds and choose only 1 fund - HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund for your parents money.

Hopefully you will get a job in 7 months without worrying the need to cover your monthly expenses, and will take a professional's help to work on your portfolio to align it and generate the better returns.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |445 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 24, 2025

Money
Hello Vivek Sir, I am 48 year having privet Job. I have started investment from 2017, current value of investment is 82L and having monthly 50K SIP as below. My goal to have 2.5Cr corpus at the age of 58. Please advice... 1. Nippon India small cap -Growth Rs 5,000 2. Sundaram Mid Cap fund Regular plan-Growth Rs 5,000 3. ICICI Prudential Small Cap- Growth Rs 10,000 4. ICICI Prudential Large Cap fund-Growth Rs 5,000 5. ICICI Prudential Balanced Adv. fund-Growth Rs 5,000 6. DSP Small Cap fund Regular Growth Rs 5,000 7. Nippn India Pharma Fund- Growth Rs 5,000 8. SBI focused Fund Regular plan- Growth Rs 5,000 9. SBI Dynamic Asset Allocation Active FoF-Regular-Growth Rs 5,000
Ans: Hi Sanjay,

It is great that you are investing since 2017. Long investments and patience always gives results.
You can easily achieve your goal corpus by the time you turn 58, if investment done correctly.
The funds you mentioned have so much overlapping and scattered. It needs rework and complete reallocation. Maximum of 5 funds should be there. Take the help of a professional to align your portfolio with your goal and customized profile.
A random portfolio like yours can create an opposite impact.
Also try to increase the monthly SIP by 10% each year. This will take care of inflation power.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10925 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello sir , I am 62 yrs and now have 25 lakh surplus money , where to invest if mutual fuds please recommend the good funds to me with %.thanks
Ans: Your discipline in building surplus funds deserves genuine appreciation.
Reaching this stage reflects patience, planning, and financial maturity.
At 62, your focus rightly shifts toward stability and steady income.
At the same time, growth must continue to fight inflation.
A balanced approach is therefore very important now.

» Age, Life Stage, and Investment Context
You are in the early retirement transition phase.
Capital protection becomes more important than aggressive growth.
Regular income matters more than high returns now.
Volatility should be controlled carefully.
Liquidity should be available for emergencies.
Tax efficiency must be managed smartly.

Mutual funds still suit this phase well.
They offer flexibility, transparency, and diversification.
They also allow gradual withdrawals when needed.

» Core Investment Philosophy at 62
Your money must work without stressing you.
Every rupee should have a clear purpose.
Risk should be measured and intentional.
Returns should be reasonable and repeatable.
Cash flow should feel predictable.

Avoid chasing market highs at this age.
Avoid locking funds for very long periods.
Avoid complicated structures and opaque products.

» Recommended Asset Allocation for Rs.25 Lakh
This allocation balances safety, income, and growth.
It also manages market ups and downs.

– Equity-oriented mutual funds: 35%
– Debt-oriented mutual funds: 55%
– Hybrid-oriented mutual funds: 10%

This structure keeps volatility under control.
It also allows reasonable growth over time.

» Role of Equity Mutual Funds at Your Age
Equity is still necessary even after 60.
Inflation reduces purchasing power every year.
Medical costs rise faster than general inflation.
Equity helps your money stay relevant.

However, equity exposure must be limited.
It must also be diversified and disciplined.

» Equity Mutual Fund Allocation – 35%
This equals around Rs.8.75 lakh.

Suggested internal split is as follows.

– Large, established companies focused funds: 25%
– Flexibly managed equity strategies: 10%

Large company exposure provides stability.
Business models are proven and resilient.
Earnings visibility is generally better.

Flexible equity strategies add adaptability.
Fund managers adjust based on market conditions.
This reduces risk during market corrections.

Avoid aggressive mid and small company focus now.
They bring sharp volatility and emotional stress.

» Why Actively Managed Equity Funds Matter
Markets are not always efficient in India.
Corporate governance quality varies widely.
Sector cycles change unpredictably.

Active managers can avoid weak businesses.
They can reduce exposure during excess valuations.
They can increase quality bias during uncertainty.

This flexibility matters more after retirement.

» Debt Mutual Funds as the Stability Anchor
Debt funds will form your portfolio backbone.
They provide stability and predictable behaviour.
They also support regular income planning.

At 62, debt allocation should dominate.
It protects capital during equity market falls.

» Debt Mutual Fund Allocation – 55%
This equals around Rs.13.75 lakh.

Suggested internal structure is below.

– Short maturity focused debt strategies: 25%
– Medium duration debt strategies: 15%
– Conservative income-oriented debt strategies: 15%

Short maturity funds reduce interest rate risk.
They are suitable for near-term needs.
They offer better predictability.

Medium duration funds balance return and risk.
They work well for three to five years horizon.

Income-oriented debt strategies support steady cash flow.
They also smooth overall portfolio returns.

Avoid credit risk heavy strategies at this stage.
Chasing extra yield can damage capital.

» Tax View on Debt Mutual Funds
Debt fund gains are taxed at slab rates.
This applies to both short and long holding periods.
Plan withdrawals in lower income years.
This improves post-tax outcomes.

» Hybrid Mutual Funds – Limited but Useful
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt exposure.
They reduce volatility through internal balancing.
They simplify allocation management.

However, allocation must remain limited.

» Hybrid Mutual Fund Allocation – 10%
This equals around Rs.2.5 lakh.

Choose conservative hybrid orientation only.
Debt portion should dominate clearly.
Equity portion should be controlled.

This segment acts as a shock absorber.
It also supports smoother returns.

» Liquidity and Emergency Planning
Always keep liquid access available.
Unexpected medical or family needs can arise.

Ensure at least twelve months expenses remain accessible.
This can be through savings or liquid-oriented funds.
Do not invest entire surplus tightly.

» Withdrawal Strategy Planning
Investment is only half the journey.
Withdrawal planning matters equally now.

Use a staggered withdrawal approach.
Avoid redeeming equity during market downturns.
Withdraw debt portion first during volatility.

This protects long-term growth potential.

» Market Volatility and Emotional Comfort
Market corrections are unavoidable.
Your portfolio must allow peaceful sleep.

The suggested allocation reduces panic risk.
It avoids sharp portfolio swings.

Emotional comfort is a hidden return.
It matters greatly after retirement.

» Rebalancing Discipline
Portfolio balance will change over time.
Equity may grow faster in bull markets.

Review allocation once every year.
Shift excess equity gains into debt.
This protects accumulated profits.

Do not rebalance too frequently.
Avoid reacting to short-term noise.

» Inflation Protection Over Retirement Years
Inflation silently erodes fixed incomes.
Medical inflation is especially dangerous.

Equity exposure counters this risk.
Active management further improves protection.

Without equity, retirement corpus shrinks in real terms.

» Estate and Nomination Discipline
Ensure nominations are updated everywhere.
This includes mutual funds and bank accounts.

Create a clear will if absent.
This avoids future family disputes.

Review beneficiaries regularly.

» What Not to Do at This Stage
Avoid chasing high return promises.
Avoid locking funds into illiquid structures.
Avoid concentration in single themes.
Avoid frequent portfolio tinkering.

Simplicity supports longevity planning.

» Monitoring and Review Framework
Review portfolio annually, not daily.
Track alignment with life needs.
Adjust only if life circumstances change.

Market noise should not guide actions.

» Final Insights
You have reached a position of strength.
Your surplus reflects years of discipline.
The goal now is sustainability, not speed.

A balanced mutual fund approach fits well.
It offers growth, income, and flexibility.
It respects your age and responsibilities.

With proper allocation and patience,
your money can support you comfortably.

Stay invested with clarity and confidence.

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x