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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 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
Shaik Question by Shaik on Jan 19, 2024Hindi
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I am 42 years old, my annual income is 10Lakhs and i want to make corpus of 3cr within 18 years. Presently my investments in SIP's are: HDFC mid cap opportunities fund Rs. 3000; ABSL Equity advantage fund Rs. 3000; UTI Nifty 50 Index fund Rs.5000; Nippon Small Cap Fund Rs.2000; Parag Parikh flexi cap fund Rs. 2000; Quant multi asset fund Rs.2000; Kotak emerging equity fund Rs.1500; Tata Digital India Fund Rs. 1500. Requesting your recommendations on these and advice on furher investment if any....Thank You

Ans: You've built a diversified portfolio with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, and sectoral funds, which is a good start towards your ambitious goal. Here are some considerations and recommendations:

Asset Allocation: Given your goal and age, you might want to tilt your portfolio towards more equity-oriented funds. While equities carry higher risk, they also offer potential for higher returns over the long term.
Review & Rebalance: Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. Rebalance if necessary to maintain your desired asset allocation.
Increase SIP Amounts: With a target corpus of 3 crores in 18 years, you might need to consider increasing your SIP amounts annually to account for inflation and potentially higher returns.
Diversification: Ensure you're not overly concentrated in a single asset class or sector. Diversification across asset classes and market caps can help spread the risk.
Consult a Financial Advisor: Given the complexity of financial planning, it might be beneficial to consult a financial advisor who can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance.
Remember, investing is a journey, not a destination. Consistency, discipline, and periodic reviews are key to achieving your financial goals.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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I am 47 yrs old & have currently 3 SIP's of 10K each. 1) Parag Parekh Flexicap- ?5K 2) Kotak Emerging Equity Fund-?2500 3) Axis Small Cap Fund- ?2500 I wanted to have a Corpus of atleast 3-5 Crore in next 13 yrs till my age of 60 yrs. Should I continue with d above 3 schemes & how much SIP amt do I need to invest inorder to acheive the Corpus.
Ans: That's great you're already investing through SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans)! It shows you're on the right track to building your retirement corpus. Let's analyze your current portfolio and discuss how to reach your goals:

1. Good Start with SIPs!

Three SIPs Running! Your current SIPs of Rs. 10,000 each in a Flexi Cap, Emerging Equity, and Small Cap Fund provide some diversification across market capitalizations. This is a good starting point.

Goal in Mind! You aim for a corpus of Rs. 3-5 crore in 13 years. This requires careful planning and potentially increasing your investment amount.

2. Reaching Your Target:

Planning is Key! Accurately calculating the exact SIP amount needed is difficult without considering factors like your current corpus, expected return rate, and inflation. However, we can discuss strategies.

Review and Increase? A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can analyze your situation and suggest if you need to increase your SIP amounts to reach your target corpus. They can also consider adding other asset classes for a more balanced approach.

3. Review and Rebalance:

Market Changes! The market keeps changing, and what looks good today might not be suitable tomorrow. It's important to periodically review your portfolio with a CFP.

Stay on Track! Regularly rebalancing your portfolio helps you maintain your target asset allocation and manage risk. A CFP can guide you on how often to review and rebalance.

4. Actively Managed Funds:

Pick Winners! Your chosen funds are actively managed, meaning fund managers try to outperform the market by picking stocks they believe will grow. Actively managed funds can outperform the market, but there's no guarantee.

Consider Your Risk: Actively managed funds tend to have higher fees than passively managed Index Funds. A CFP can help you assess your risk tolerance and choose funds that align with your goals.

Remember, reaching your target corpus requires a disciplined approach, potentially increasing your SIP amounts, and regular review with a CFP. Consulting a CFP can help you create a personalized plan and increase your chances of success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 16, 2024

Money
Dear Sir , i am 46 years old .. Apart from properties i don't have any market investment. My aim is to have build a corpus of 2 crores in 5 years with SIP . Kindly advice on how much monthly i should be investing and what kind of funds or areas should i be investing ?
Ans: Building a corpus of Rs. 2 crores in 5 years through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) is a goal that can be achieved with disciplined and strategic investments. At 46, you have a clear target and a relatively short time frame, so an aggressive investment approach is necessary. Let’s explore how you can approach this:

1. Setting Realistic Expectations
With a 5-year investment horizon, aiming for Rs. 2 crores means your investments need to grow at a significant rate. Considering the time frame, equity mutual funds are your best option to achieve high returns, but you must also balance the risk.

Equity mutual funds have historically given annual returns between 10-15% over the long term.

In a 5-year period, you need to invest in funds that have the potential for higher returns, like mid-cap or small-cap funds. However, be prepared for volatility.

2. Required Monthly SIP Investment
To achieve Rs. 2 crores in 5 years, your SIP contributions will need to be substantial. Without going into complex formulas, we can estimate the monthly investment needed based on a 12-15% return assumption.

At 12% return: You would need to invest approximately Rs. 2.7 lakh per month.

At 15% return: You would need to invest approximately Rs. 2.5 lakh per month.

These are broad estimates and can vary based on market conditions. If you start with a lower SIP amount, consider increasing it over time with step-up SIPs, where you gradually increase your SIP amount each year.

3. Investment Strategy: Diversified and Balanced
Since your time frame is short, it’s important to balance risk and returns. Here’s how you can allocate your investments:

3.1 Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds are the most suitable for achieving your goal. Within this category, you can focus on:

Large-Cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies, providing relatively stable growth with lower risk than small-cap funds. These funds should form about 30-40% of your portfolio to provide stability.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds: These funds invest in medium and smaller companies. While they are riskier, they have the potential to deliver higher returns. Allocate around 30-40% to these funds to boost your returns. Be aware that small-cap funds can be volatile, especially in the short term, but they can significantly contribute to your goal over 5 years.

3.2 Aggressive Hybrid Funds
These funds invest in a mix of equity (around 65-80%) and debt (20-35%). They provide a balance between risk and return. This is ideal for someone nearing retirement but still looking for aggressive growth. You can allocate around 20-30% of your investment to such funds.

3.3 Sectoral and Thematic Funds
If you are willing to take additional risk, you could consider investing in sectoral or thematic funds. These funds focus on specific sectors like technology, healthcare, or banking. These funds are risky but can provide high returns if the sector performs well. Limit this to 10-15% of your portfolio, as these funds can be volatile.

4. Avoid Index Funds
You may come across suggestions for index funds, but they are not suitable for your goal. Index funds aim to replicate the performance of the stock market index, like Nifty or Sensex. While they are passive and have lower management costs, their returns are often moderate compared to actively managed funds. Your goal of Rs. 2 crores in 5 years requires higher returns, which can be achieved through active management.

5. Avoid Direct Funds
While direct funds are cheaper since they don’t involve distributor commissions, they lack the guidance and expertise of an experienced Certified Financial Planner (CFP). You will benefit more from regular funds, where an expert can help you navigate market fluctuations, adjust your portfolio, and rebalance based on your goals.

6. Review and Adjust Portfolio Regularly
Since the market can be volatile, especially in the short term, you must review your portfolio every 6 months. A Certified Financial Planner can help you with this by adjusting your investments based on performance. Regular reviews also ensure that you’re on track to reach your Rs. 2 crore goal.

Rebalance your portfolio if certain funds are underperforming.

Increase your SIP amount if necessary.

Switch between funds as market conditions change, focusing on areas of higher growth potential.

7. Surrender LIC Policies and Focus on Mutual Funds
If you hold traditional insurance products like LIC or ULIP plans, their returns typically range around 6-8%, which won’t help you achieve your aggressive goal of Rs. 2 crores in 5 years. It’s advisable to surrender such policies and redirect the funds towards high-growth mutual funds. Pure insurance plans such as term insurance are a better option for covering risk.

8. Tax Planning
As you invest in equity mutual funds, be aware of the new capital gains tax rules:

LTCG (Long-term capital gains) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

STCG (Short-term capital gains) are taxed at 20%.

For debt mutual funds, both short-term and long-term capital gains are taxed according to your income tax slab. Factor this into your planning when deciding when to redeem your investments. Tax-efficient strategies, such as holding your investments for over one year, can help you minimise tax.

9. Emergency Fund
Ensure you maintain an emergency fund before committing to aggressive SIPs. Since your time horizon is only 5 years, it’s crucial to have enough liquidity to handle unexpected expenses without disturbing your investments. Typically, an emergency fund should cover 6-12 months of living expenses. You could park this in low-risk debt funds or fixed deposits for easy access.

10. Insurance Cover
Before focusing on your investment goals, it is important to have adequate life and health insurance cover. A term insurance policy with adequate cover can safeguard your family's financial future. Health insurance is equally important to cover any medical emergencies. If you have existing LIC policies, evaluate if they offer sufficient cover. Otherwise, opt for a term plan.

11. Stay Disciplined and Patient
Achieving Rs. 2 crores in 5 years is possible, but it requires commitment and discipline. Avoid panic selling during market corrections and keep your long-term goals in mind. SIPs inherently provide rupee cost averaging, so market volatility works to your advantage over time.

Finally, while an aggressive approach is needed, avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. Diversification is key to mitigating risk and ensuring your money grows steadily.

Final Insights

Building a Rs. 2 crore corpus in 5 years through SIPs is a challenging yet achievable goal with a disciplined and strategic approach. You will need to make significant monthly investments in a diversified portfolio of equity mutual funds, hybrid funds, and sectoral funds. Regular portfolio reviews, combined with disciplined investing, will help you stay on track.

Work closely with a Certified Financial Planner to review your progress and make the necessary adjustments to your portfolio as market conditions change.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Dear Sir, What is the best % of SWP one can think of from Portfolio value. I am retired now and have say 1 Cr as MF and Share portfolio. I want to go for 40000 SWP per month thereby making 4.8% as SWP. If this is good to have this for 15 yrs
Ans: Your question shows great care for your financial future. Many retirees ignore this step. You have already taken a wise move. You want steady income. You want safety. You want long life for your money. These are very important points. I truly appreciate your clarity.

» Understanding your present plan
Your idea is simple. You have Rs 1 crore. You want Rs 40000 each month. This means Rs 4.8 lakh each year. That is 4.8 percent of your money. This is not very high. This is not very low. It sits in the middle range. Many retirees try for 7 or 8 percent. That can put pressure on the portfolio. Your 4.8 percent is more reasonable. It supports discipline. It keeps stress low.

Your idea is for 15 years. That is a good time frame. It gives space for your funds to grow. It gives time for market cycles. It also gives time for inflation adjustments.

» Why withdrawal rate matters
Your SWP rate decides how long your money will last. A high rate can drain funds soon. A very low rate may not support your monthly needs. Your 4.8 percent sits well. It balances life needs and portfolio health.

When you draw money from a mixed portfolio, the growth side helps refill your withdrawn money. The stability side helps reduce fall during bad years. This mix helps the SWP stay steady.

» Why a proper structure is important
A SWP is not only a monthly withdrawal. It is a full system. The system needs planning. It needs regular reviews. It needs a clear asset split. It needs a cushion for weak market years.

If you set this structure well now, your SWP can stay safe. Your money can stretch for many years. You can keep peace of mind.

» The importance of a balanced mix
Your portfolio may hold equity funds, hybrid funds, and debt funds. A clear mix reduces risk. It gives smooth cash flow. Equity gives growth. Debt gives steady flow. Hybrid gives balance.

Because you want monthly income for 15 years, you need a balance that supports steady SWP. A pure equity plan can shake too much. A pure debt plan may not grow at a good pace. A balanced mix is ideal.

» Equity funds need careful use
Some investors put large money in equity for SWP. This can work in strong markets. This can fail in weak markets. Your SWP must survive both market moods. That is why pure equity for SWP is not safe.

Also, you should prefer actively managed funds over index funds for long SWP. Index funds follow the index blindly. They do not manage risk actively. They cannot adjust to market cycles. Actively managed funds have a professional fund manager. A skilled manager helps in limiting risk in low years. This helps protect principal in SWP years. This support is not present in index funds.

» Debt funds form the stabiliser
Debt funds bring peace to the portfolio. They help during bad market years. They help the SWP stay steady. Because debt funds follow market rates, they work as the anchor. For SWP, this anchor is very helpful.

If you use direct debt funds, you must remember that direct funds need more tracking. They need active reviews by you. Many retired investors find this hard. Regular plans taken through a qualified Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP skill provide guidance. Regular plans also give handholding. This handholding helps avoid wrong exits.

» How to view your Rs 40000 monthly need
You may need some money for basic needs. You may need some money for health care. You may need some money for family support. You may need some money for personal comfort. Rs 40000 per month seems a balanced number.

It does not put too much pressure on the money. It is not a very heavy load. It fits well with a Rs 1 crore fund.

» Inflation needs attention
Inflation will rise. Costs will rise. Your need will rise. Your SWP should rise slowly over time. You cannot fix your SWP for 15 years at one number. That may reduce your buying power.

A small rise every two or three years will help you beat inflation. This rise must be slow. It must match your portfolio growth.

» Risk of sharp market falls
Sharp falls can disturb SWP. A sudden big drop in equity value can pull down your portfolio. This may cause you to withdraw when market is low. That is not good. To fix this, you need enough stability in your mix.

A proper allocation in debt funds and hybrid funds can reduce this issue. You will get smoother cash flow. You will not have to worry about market news every day.

» Role of emergency money
Please keep an emergency amount. Keep this aside. Do not include it in your SWP plan. You may need money for urgent health needs. You may need money for home needs. Emergency funds help you avoid sudden selling.

A good emergency fund gives peace. It protects your SWP from sudden shocks.

» Tax rules for withdrawals
Every SWP withdrawal may include some gains. Tax will apply based on the type of fund and the gain period. This tax can have impact on net flow. You must plan for this in your withdrawal design.

Equity fund rules:

Gains under one year are short-term. These are taxed at 20 percent.

Gains above one year are long-term. Long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5 percent.

Debt fund rules:

Both short-term and long-term gains are taxed as per your tax slab.

This tax part should not scare you. A proper plan can reduce the tax burden. A planned SWP can help you manage gains carefully.

» Why a Certified Financial Planner helps
You may handle small things by yourself. But retirement planning is delicate. One wrong move can disturb the whole plan. A Certified Financial Planner gives a clear road map. He helps you set the best mix. He reviews the plan every year. He adjusts the plan for market and life events.

This guidance is very useful in SWP because SWP needs discipline.

» Why not consider real estate
Some retirees think of using real estate for income. But real estate needs heavy work. It needs tenant work. It needs repair work. It needs legal care. It gives lumpy income. It gives no steady flow. So it is not fit for SWP planning.

Your present goal is steady income. Real estate will not give this.

» Why not consider annuities
Annuities give fixed income. But they lock your money. They give low returns. They do not beat inflation well. They reduce flexibility. For these reasons, they are not ideal for your long-term income.

Your idea of SWP with balanced mix is better.

» Keeping your portfolio healthy for 15 years
To keep your portfolio safe for 15 years, you must follow some habits:

Review every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Adjust asset mix if needed.

Increase SWP amount slowly.

Reduce SWP for one or two years if markets fall very deep.

Protect your money from emotional moves.

Keep a two-year buffer in a low-risk fund.

Keep your growth part running for long.

These habits help your money last for the full 15-year horizon.

» Regular review helps you adapt
Markets will change. Your health may change. Your needs may change. A yearly review will help align your plan. It will help spot issues early. It will help guide the next year’s SWP.

Without reviews, even good plans can fail.

» Why a two-year cushion helps
A cushion fund is a simple idea. Keep two years of SWP in a low-risk debt fund. This money helps you draw income even in bad market years. You will not need to sell equity in weak phases. This protects your overall money. This makes your SWP more stable.

This cushion fund is an extra shield. It supports your 15-year income plan.

» Role of diversification
Your SWP works best when your portfolio is spread well. A spread can include:

Actively managed equity funds.

Hybrid funds.

Debt funds.

This spread reduces risk. It gives smoothness. It supports long-term income.

Avoid using too many funds. Keep it simple. A small number of quality funds is better.

» How your 4.8 percent looks in practice
A 4.8 percent withdrawal rate is comfortable for a 15-year horizon. If you follow discipline, your money will not face heavy pressure. If your portfolio grows at a steady pace, your principal will not erode fast. Even if growth shifts between years, the mixed structure will protect you.

Your plan is workable. It is sensible. It is future-friendly.

» Mistakes to avoid
Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

Do not chase high-return funds.

Do not raise SWP sharply in one year.

Do not keep too much money in equity.

Do not stop reviews.

Do not shift funds often without reason.

Do not look at direct plans if you prefer guidance.

These mistakes can disturb your portfolio health. Your SWP may suffer.

» Why not use direct funds if you need support
Direct plans give lower cost. But they give no guidance. Retired investors often need guidance. They need reviews. They need discipline. A regular plan through a qualified Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP skill gives support. It prevents panic reactions. This support is valuable in low market years.

» Healthy mindset for SWP
Try to see your SWP as a long journey. It needs calm mind. It needs steady steps. It needs slow corrections. It needs patience. If you stay steady, your SWP will stay healthy. You will enjoy peace.

» Practical steps you can start now
You may start with these steps:

Set clear needs for each year.

Fix a proper asset split.

Create a cushion fund for two years.

Start SWP from a low-risk fund or hybrid fund.

Keep equity for growth.

Add small hikes in SWP every few years.

This system supports long-term income.

» How your plan supports a joyful retired life
Your plan helps you live with comfort. It gives predictable cash flow. It gives you freedom from worry. It gives you clarity. You can focus on health, family, and peace. You do not need to watch markets each day.

Your retirement life becomes balanced.

» Final Insights
Your idea of taking Rs 40000 per month from a Rs 1 crore portfolio at 4.8 percent is workable. It fits well for a 15-year horizon. It supports your income. It protects your money if you set a balanced mix. You must follow steady reviews. You must keep a small cushion. You must avoid risky moves.

With these practices, your SWP plan can stay healthy for many years. Your future can stay peaceful and steady. You have already taken the right first step. Your clarity gives your plan strong power.

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

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

...Read more

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Recently, I've seen many different comments on social media suggesting that finding a job after completing an MBBS is very difficult, with some graduates even working as delivery boys.

I believe MBBS is one of the few courses that allows for immediate entrepreneurship after graduation, while other fields often require additional support to start a business. Many medical shop owners are willing to provide a small space for consultations, which is not typically an option for graduates in other disciplines.

If you are financially constrained, it may be wise to stop after completing your MBBS degree for the time being. However, pursuing a postgraduate degree (PG) significantly increases your opportunities, including potential roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Without a PG, your options may be limited. It's akin to the difference between a normal grocery store and a supermarket: completing a PG can lead to positions in corporate medical hospitals.

Initially, you might consider working at a smaller practice or in the government sector before pursuing higher education. While having an MBBS degree allows you to offer consultations, having a PG provides you with more credibility and knowledge. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and don’t worry about others—proceed based on your own abilities and circumstances.
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I have passed 12th from Maharashtra state board in 2023 ( as regular candidate ) and also gave improvement exam in Feb 2024 but I am not satisfied with my result can I give 12th board exam again from Maharashtra board as a private candidate 17 no. Form ??? I am already 12th passed so Is it illegal to appear from 17 no. Form ?
Ans: Hi,
Hi, what are your future plans? Please share so I can suggest a solution for you.
best regards

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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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