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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 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 - Apr 15, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 42 year old and investing 90 thousand PM in mutual fund.Quant elss(9000)Pgim elss (2500).Quant Large cap (15000).Quant mid cap (15000).Quant small cap(10000).Parag Parikh flexicap(20000.)icici eqity and debt(10000)canra rebeco largecap (2500).HDFC defence fund (2500).Sbi nifty fifty equal weight index fund (5000).Let me know is my fund selection is right or to make some changes

Ans: You have a diverse mix of funds across different categories. Consider consolidating similar funds to avoid redundancy. Evaluate the performance of each fund regularly and reallocate from underperforming to better-performing categories. Ensure you're not overexposed to a single asset class or sector. Consult a financial advisor for a personalized strategy tailored to your goals and risk tolerance. Regular reviews and adjustments will help optimize your portfolio for growth.
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  |7365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 28, 2024Hindi
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Sir, i have 6 No of Mutual fund 1.SBI small cap 1000 per month 2. SBI focused equity 1000 per month 3. SBI blue chip fund 1000 per month 4. Nippon india small cap 500 per month 5.Quant small cap fund 1000 per month 6. Parag parikh flexi cap 1000 per month Is these MF are good or i need to change any fund. SBI fund are almost 2.6 year old. I have time horizon of 10 to 15 years.Now i am 38 year old.
Ans: It's great that you're investing in mutual funds for your future financial goals! Let's review your current mutual fund portfolio and make some suggestions:

SBI Small Cap, SBI Focused Equity, and SBI Blue Chip Fund:
SBI Funds are reputable and have a track record of performance. However, it's essential to review their performance periodically to ensure they continue to meet your investment objectives.
Nippon India Small Cap and Quant Small Cap Fund:
Small-cap funds can offer high growth potential but also come with higher risk. Ensure you have a long-term investment horizon and the risk tolerance to withstand market volatility.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap:
Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility to invest across market caps. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is known for its diversified portfolio and focus on quality stocks. It's a good choice for long-term wealth creation.
Suggestions:

Review Performance: Periodically review the performance of your mutual funds to ensure they align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
Diversification: Consider diversifying your portfolio further by adding funds from different fund houses or investing in different asset classes like debt or international funds.
Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on the performance of your funds and make adjustments as needed. If any fund consistently underperforms its benchmark or peers, consider replacing it with a better-performing alternative.
Consult a Financial Advisor: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. A professional can help optimize your portfolio and ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.
Overall, your mutual fund portfolio seems well-diversified, but it's essential to monitor its performance regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your long-term financial goals. Keep up the good work and continue investing systematically for your future!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 19, 2024

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Hi sir,my name is babu ,my age is 33 years. Please review my mutual fund portflio and i am keeping mf portflio for 15 years for retirement corpus. Lumpsum: 1.quant flexi cap fund-1 lakh 2.parag parikh flexi cap fund- 1.2 lakh 3.icici prudential equity and debt fund-50 k 4.quant large and midcap fund-1lakh 5.icici prudential blue chip- 1 lakh 6.edelweiss mid cap fund-1 lakh 7.icici prudential nifty next 50 index- 1lakh Sip: 1.motilal oswal nifty midcap 150 index-4500 2.motilal oswal nifty small cap 150 index-3500 3.HDFC S&P BSE 500 INDEX-2000 4.parag parikh flexi cap-2500 5.icici prudential blue chip-2000 6.hdfc nifty 50 index plan-2500 7.icici prudential nifty 50 index-3000 As i am keepimg mf's for my future goals,i want to take minimal risk. Please review my portfolio and suggest.
Ans: Hello Babu,

Firstly, congratulations on your thoughtful approach to building your mutual fund portfolio. You have a good mix of lump sum investments and SIPs, which is crucial for a well-rounded investment strategy.

Lump Sum Investments
Your lump sum investments are diversified across different categories, which is excellent for risk management. Let’s look at each fund:

Quant Flexi Cap Fund: This fund is versatile and can invest across market capitalizations.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Known for its value investing approach, it includes international stocks for additional diversification.

ICICI Prudential Equity and Debt Fund: This hybrid fund balances equity and debt, offering stability and growth.

Quant Large and Midcap Fund: Invests in large and mid-cap stocks, aiming for a balance of stability and growth.

ICICI Prudential Blue Chip Fund: Focuses on large-cap stocks, providing stability.

Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund: Targets mid-cap stocks, which have the potential for higher growth but come with higher risk.

ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 Index Fund: Tracks the Nifty Next 50 index, which can offer growth from emerging large-cap companies.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Your SIPs also cover a range of index and active funds. Here’s an evaluation:

Motilal Oswal Nifty Midcap 150 Index Fund: Mid-cap index funds can be volatile but offer high growth potential.

Motilal Oswal Nifty Small Cap 150 Index Fund: Small-cap index funds have even higher growth potential with higher risk.

HDFC S&P BSE 500 Index Fund: A broad market index fund that offers comprehensive market exposure.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Continues to provide diversification and international exposure.

ICICI Prudential Blue Chip Fund: Consistent performer among large-cap funds.

HDFC Nifty 50 Index Plan: Tracks the Nifty 50 index, providing exposure to the top 50 companies.

ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Fund: Another Nifty 50 tracker, providing redundancy in your portfolio.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
While index funds provide low-cost market exposure, they have some limitations compared to actively managed funds:

No Active Management: Index funds simply replicate the index and cannot react to market changes or economic shifts.

No Outperformance: They are designed to match the index performance, not exceed it. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the index.

Limited Flexibility: Index funds must follow the index composition, even if some stocks perform poorly.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, on the other hand, offer several benefits:

Professional Management: Fund managers make strategic decisions to outperform the market.

Dynamic Allocation: They can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, potentially reducing risk.

Selective Investments: Fund managers can choose high-potential stocks, avoiding underperformers.

Recommendations
To minimize risk while aiming for growth, consider these adjustments:

Reduce Overlap in Index Funds: You have multiple funds tracking similar indices (Nifty 50). Consider reducing redundancy to simplify your portfolio.

Increase Allocation to Hybrid Funds: Hybrid funds offer a balanced approach, combining equity and debt for stability.

Focus on Quality Active Funds: Include more actively managed funds with a proven track record of consistent performance.

Conclusion
Your portfolio is well-diversified, but some adjustments can enhance its effectiveness. Reducing overlap and focusing more on active management can align with your goal of minimal risk and stable growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7365 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 14, 2024Hindi
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My age is 22,Its my first time in mutual funds Total amount:25,000 Allocation:20%,30%,30%,20% This are my mutual funds 1. HDFC nifty 50 index fund (5000rs) 2.Motilal oswal midcup fund(7500rs) 3.Quant small Cap fund (7500rs) 4.Parag Parikh Flexi Cup fund(5000rs technical large cup) Is this the right allocation and right mutual fund i will do my research properly if there is anything wrong with it I am thinking about not investing in hdfc nifty because ppfc is technically a large cup what are your opinions?
Ans: Starting mutual fund investments at 22 years is an excellent decision. It gives you time to compound your wealth over the years. Let us evaluate your current strategy and identify any improvements needed.

Asset Allocation Review
Your allocation of 20%, 30%, 30%, and 20% is balanced across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap categories.

This diversification reduces risks and allows participation in different market segments.

Your focus on mid-cap and small-cap funds (60%) indicates a higher risk tolerance. This is suitable for your age but requires periodic review.

Insights on Individual Categories
1. Large-Cap Fund
You are considering replacing your large-cap fund because the flexi-cap fund overlaps with this category.

Flexi-cap funds allocate dynamically across large, mid, and small caps. This makes your large-cap fund somewhat redundant.

However, large-cap funds offer stability, especially during market downturns. Evaluate if removing this fund aligns with your risk profile.

2. Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds
Allocating 30% each to mid-cap and small-cap funds demonstrates a growth-oriented approach.

These funds have higher potential for long-term returns but also come with higher volatility.

You should remain invested for at least 7-10 years to maximise benefits.

3. Flexi-Cap Fund
Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility to invest across market caps.

This fund complements your portfolio well as it adapts to changing market conditions.

Retain this fund as it balances risk and reward effectively.

Observations on Portfolio Design
Overlaps in Fund Categories:
Your flexi-cap fund may already invest in large-cap stocks. This makes your standalone large-cap fund less critical.

Weightage Adjustment:
Consider reducing exposure to small-cap funds slightly (from 30% to 20%) if you want to lower risk.

Simplicity Matters:
Avoid adding too many funds in the future. A cluttered portfolio complicates tracking and performance evaluation.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds lack the flexibility to adjust to market conditions. They mirror the index and cannot outperform it.

Actively managed funds have experienced managers who can select outperforming stocks.

Active funds provide better returns in emerging markets like India due to market inefficiencies.

Avoiding Direct Mutual Funds
Direct funds save on commissions but require hands-on management and regular reviews.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures expert guidance, periodic rebalancing, and stress-free investing.

A CFP helps you select funds that align with your financial goals.

Tax Implications
Gains from equity funds held for over one year are classified as long-term capital gains (LTCG).

Gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakh per year are tax-free. Beyond this, LTCG is taxed at 12.5%.

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

Understand the tax impact of redeeming funds before selling.

Long-Term Wealth Building
Your young age gives you an edge. Compounding works best over the long term.

Aim to increase investments periodically as your income grows.

Set specific financial goals (e.g., buying a house, retirement) and align your investments with them.

Steps to Strengthen Your Investment Strategy
Reevaluate Risk Appetite:
While mid-cap and small-cap funds promise high returns, ensure you can tolerate market fluctuations.

Reassess Large-Cap Fund:
If you prefer stability, keep the large-cap fund. If not, redistribute this amount into other funds.

Regular Monitoring:
Review your portfolio annually and rebalance if needed.

Stay Disciplined:
Market corrections are normal. Avoid frequent changes based on short-term performance.

Emergency Fund:
Ensure you maintain a separate emergency fund. This prevents premature withdrawals from your mutual funds.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-designed for a first-time investor. With small tweaks, it can achieve even better balance.

Avoid focusing only on returns. Consider risks, goals, and your investment horizon.

Invest consistently, and let compounding work its magic.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 27, 2024Hindi
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Hi Team, I am 30 and have below SIPs. Please review them and let me know if i have to make any changes. Hdfc large & Mid cap fund - 5000 Motilal Oswal Mid cap fund - 5000 Kotak infrastructure and eco fund - 2000 PGIM India Mid Cap Opportunities Fund- 5000 SBI Contra -1500 Motila Oswal business cycle fund-3000 Focus is to continue SIP for longterm
Ans: Your portfolio reflects a proactive approach to wealth creation. Each fund serves a distinct purpose. Let's assess and optimise your investments for long-term growth.

Strengths of Your Current Portfolio
Diverse Investment Strategy: Your funds cover multiple segments like large-cap, mid-cap, and thematic investments.

Long-Term Focus: A consistent SIP approach aligns with compounding benefits and market cycles.

Mid-Cap Exposure: Allocating significant SIPs to mid-cap funds positions your portfolio for growth.

Inclusion of Thematic Funds: Thematic funds add sectoral focus, offering opportunities in specific growth areas.

Areas for Improvement
Concentration in Mid-Cap Funds: A high allocation to mid-cap funds can increase volatility. Diversification is key.

Overlapping Thematic Focus: Funds with sectoral or cyclical focus may overlap in strategy.

Balance Between Growth and Stability: Adding more stability-focused funds can protect the portfolio in downturns.

Fund-Specific Observations
Large and Mid-Cap Fund
This fund balances growth and stability.

Retain this allocation for consistent returns and risk management.

Mid-Cap Funds
Significant allocation to mid-cap funds is growth-oriented.

Review performance and overlap to avoid redundancy.

Consider reallocating some amount to flexi-cap funds for diversification.

Thematic Infrastructure Fund
Sector-focused funds can be volatile and dependent on market cycles.

Limit thematic exposure to 10% of your overall portfolio.

Monitor this fund closely to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Contra and Business Cycle Funds
Both funds are contrarian and cyclical in nature.

Overlapping strategies may lead to concentration risk.

Retain one fund and reallocate the other to a balanced or flexi-cap fund.

Recommendations for Portfolio Optimisation
Enhance Diversification
Add a balanced allocation to large-cap or flexi-cap funds for stability.

Diversification reduces risk and enhances long-term returns.

Monitor and Evaluate Performance
Regularly review fund performance to ensure alignment with goals.

Replace underperforming funds without hesitation.

Adjust Thematic and Sectoral Exposure
Limit thematic funds to a smaller portion of your portfolio.

Sector-focused funds are cyclical and require active monitoring.

Tax-Efficiency
Long-term equity fund gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh attract 12.5% tax.

Short-term gains attract a 20% tax.

Consider tax efficiency while planning redemptions.

Importance of Regular Funds
Direct funds lack personalised guidance and portfolio tracking.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures regular reviews and professional advice.

Regular funds offer value-added services and align with long-term goals.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-structured for long-term growth but needs refinement.

Reduce concentration in mid-cap and thematic funds for better risk management.

Increase exposure to diversified and balanced funds for stability.

Seek professional guidance to optimise performance and adapt to market trends.

Your disciplined SIP approach will reward you over time. Stay consistent and review periodically.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 28, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello, Sir. I am a 41-year-old male with a 9-year-old son and a housewife. I need advise on how to undertake financial planning because I want to retire early, perhaps at age 48-50. I am currently outside of India and have 2.5 crore in NRE FDs, roughly 60 lakhs in Mutual Funds, 8 lakhs in share market, and 8 lakhs in PF. I have floater health insurance for 15 lakhs. Some LIC's for roughly 5 lakhs. I have one rented flat that pays 12,000 per month and an ancestor property that pays 20,000. In the next 3-6 months, I plan to buy a one-crore flat and return to India permanently in the following few months.I plan to buy a one-crore flat in the next 3-6 months, return to India permanently in the next 1-2 months, and work for an IT company with an annual income of approximately 25-35 lacs. I know I lost the opportunity to invest some money during/after the covid time; else, I would have had a somewhat better portfolio. I need your advice on how to properly invest my FD's money.
Ans: Planning for early retirement requires careful analysis and structured execution. Your current financial situation reflects a strong foundation. Let’s optimise your resources to achieve your goals.

Assessing Current Financial Standing
Your assets are well-distributed across various instruments:

Rs. 2.5 crore in NRE FDs
Rs. 60 lakhs in Mutual Funds
Rs. 8 lakhs in shares
Rs. 8 lakhs in PF
Floater health insurance for Rs. 15 lakhs
Rs. 12,000 rental income from one flat
Rs. 20,000 rental income from ancestral property
LIC policies worth Rs. 5 lakhs
This portfolio indicates a mix of liquidity, growth, and stability.

Setting Clear Retirement Goals
Define retirement income needs based on desired lifestyle. Early retirement at 48-50 means funding 30-40 years of expenses.

Factor in inflation, medical needs, child’s education, and your family’s future financial security.

Challenges to Address
High allocation to fixed deposits (FDs), which have low returns post-tax.
Underutilisation of mutual funds and equity investments.
Managing new property purchase without compromising retirement corpus.
Optimising Your Investments
Fixed Deposits
Move a significant portion of FD funds to growth-oriented investments.
Retain only a portion for emergencies or short-term needs.
Mutual Funds
Increase allocation to diversified mutual funds.
Focus on a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds for growth.
Use regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner for personalised advice and portfolio tracking.
Share Market Investments
Rs. 8 lakhs in shares needs a review. Assess performance and risks.
Shift underperforming or speculative stocks to diversified equity funds.
Provident Fund
PF provides stability. Let it compound till retirement for assured returns.
LIC Policies
Evaluate LIC policies. Surrender low-yield policies and redirect funds to mutual funds.
Ensure sufficient life insurance coverage through term plans.
Managing Real Estate Investments
Your plan to purchase a flat for Rs. 1 crore is prudent. However:

Avoid using FD funds entirely for this purchase.
Opt for a small loan if needed, keeping EMIs manageable.
Leverage rental income from this property to supplement post-retirement income.
Health and Life Insurance
Your Rs. 15 lakh health insurance is adequate for now.
Increase coverage to Rs. 25-30 lakhs upon returning to India.
Secure a term insurance policy with sufficient coverage to protect your family.
Tax Efficiency
Post-return to India, your NRE FDs will lose tax exemptions.

Redirect funds to tax-efficient instruments like equity mutual funds and debt funds.
Long-term capital gains on equity funds are taxed favourably.
Child’s Education and Family’s Security
Allocate a dedicated corpus for your son’s higher education.
A mix of equity and balanced funds will help achieve this goal.
Emergency Fund
Set aside Rs. 15-20 lakhs as a liquid emergency fund.
Use liquid mutual funds or short-term debt funds for easy access.
Regular Monitoring and Review
Review your portfolio every 6-12 months with a Certified Financial Planner.
Adjust allocations based on market trends, personal goals, and economic changes.
Final Insights
Your financial foundation is solid. With strategic changes, you can retire early with confidence.

Diversify investments, optimise tax efficiency, and plan systematically for your goals. Stay disciplined and avoid speculative ventures.

Your foresight in seeking advice ensures a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |188 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

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Hello! Sir This is Sravani.I am a M.Pharmacy postgraduate and has a work experience of 6 years in Quality control department in pharma industry.At present i am working in the same department. But i want to go for work from home job.so that i can spend time with my kids. Both my kids are in kindergarten. It's becoming tough for me to manage both job & kids as my working hours are too long. Please do suggest me any kind of work from home job which suits my profile. Regards Sravani
Ans: Hi Sravanthi,

It's great to hear that you have six years of experience in Quality Control (QC). As you know, QC roles are generally onsite, unlike IT roles that can often be done remotely. Given your expertise in QC, you have the option to transition to Quality Assurance (QA), Regulatory Affairs (RA), or the Validation team, but we need to assess the feasibility of such a shift. While it is uncommon, it is possible to find roles in RA, such as preparing and submitting documents, pharmacovigilance, or medical scribing. However, since these are not your areas of expertise, if you choose to pursue them, you may be considered a fresher in those fields.

You also mentioned that need to work long hours. Even with work from home (WFH), you will likely face similar challenges; once you log in, you cannot skip the tasks assigned to you. Being at home may hinder your ability to care for your children, creating additional difficulties.

If you are financially stable, you might consider quitting your current job to find other opportunities or to take care of your family. If not, you will need to weigh your options carefully.

My recommendation is to prefer onsite work rather than WFH.

On a lighter note, there are many advantages to onsite work that can actually save you money—such as reduced electricity bills, food expenses, and travel costs. Compared to WFH, where you may incur higher electricity costs due to using AC and your computer, along with food expenses for snacks and meals.

Logically speaking, as a working woman, if your maid were asking for a WFH arrangement, how would you respond?

As an additional suggestion, you might consider applying for government jobs as a Junior or Senior Analyst in your state’s Drug Testing Lab within the Drugs Control Department.

Ultimately, I recommend that you continue in your current field and potentially explore opportunities in a different company or industry that offers a higher salary. Alternatively, you could also consider transitioning to QA, but ideally in an onsite position.

All the best.

...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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