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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 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
ANILKUMAR Question by ANILKUMAR on Feb 02, 2024Hindi
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I am 43 years old and earn Rs 60000/month. My portfolio contains MF SIPs as below: 1000 ELSS Fund 1000 Large cap fund 1000 Small &Mid cap fund 1000 Gold ETF 1000 Nifty 50 Index fund 1000 Balanced Advantage fund 500 IT ETF 500 Pharma ETF Please suggest if any changes are required for long term wealth creation?

Ans: Given your age and investment horizon, your portfolio appears to have a balanced mix of equity, gold, and index funds, which is suitable for long-term wealth creation. However, here are some suggestions for potential enhancements:

Review ELSS Fund: Ensure that the ELSS fund you've chosen aligns with your risk tolerance and investment objectives. Evaluate its performance relative to peers and consider switching to a top-performing ELSS fund if necessary.

Reassess Sectoral ETFs: Sectoral ETFs like IT and Pharma carry specific sector risks. While they can offer diversification benefits, consider whether your portfolio needs exposure to these sectors based on your risk appetite and sector outlook.

Evaluate Balanced Advantage Fund: Review the performance and strategy of the Balanced Advantage Fund. These funds dynamically allocate between equity and debt based on market conditions. Ensure that it aligns with your risk profile and investment goals.

Consider International Diversification: Explore opportunities to diversify your portfolio internationally through global equity funds or international index funds. This can provide exposure to global markets and potentially enhance diversification.

Increase SIP Amounts: As your income allows, consider gradually increasing your SIP amounts over time. Regularly review your investments and adjust your contributions based on your financial goals and market conditions.

Consult a Financial Advisor: Consider seeking advice from a qualified financial advisor who can provide personalized recommendations based on your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. An advisor can help you optimize your portfolio and navigate market fluctuations effectively.

By periodically reviewing and adjusting your portfolio, you can ensure that it remains aligned with your long-term wealth creation objectives. Regular monitoring and consultation with a financial advisor will help you make informed decisions and achieve your financial goals.
Best regards,
Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 18, 2024Hindi
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Hello I am 25 years and earning around 17k per month and I have sip of Axis small cap of rs 500 Nippon India small cap 1000 ICICI prudential technology 500 and PPF 500 till now I have around 1.2 lakhs in mutual fund and equity 70k please suggest me for long term wealth
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to investing at such a young age! Let's explore some suggestions for long-term wealth creation:

Continue SIPs: Your SIPs in Axis Small Cap, Nippon India Small Cap, and ICICI Prudential Technology are a good start. These funds offer exposure to different sectors, providing diversification and growth potential. Consider gradually increasing your SIP amounts as your income grows.
Explore Diversification: While small-cap and technology funds offer growth potential, consider diversifying your portfolio further. Look into investing in large-cap or multi-cap funds to balance risk and potential returns. A mix of different asset classes can enhance the stability and growth of your portfolio.
Utilize PPF: PPF is an excellent tool for long-term wealth accumulation, offering tax benefits and guaranteed returns. Continue contributing to your PPF account regularly to take advantage of its compounding effect over time. Aim to maximize your annual contributions within the prescribed limits.
Stay Invested for the Long Term: Investing is a long-term commitment, and patience is key to achieving wealth accumulation goals. Avoid frequent trading or reacting to short-term market fluctuations. Stay focused on your financial objectives and stick to your investment plan.
Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about different investment options, risk management strategies, and personal finance concepts. Attend workshops, read books, or follow reputable financial blogs to enhance your knowledge and make informed decisions.
Emergency Fund: Building an emergency fund is crucial to protect yourself from unexpected expenses or income disruptions. Aim to set aside at least 3-6 months' worth of living expenses in a liquid and accessible account.
Review and Rebalance: Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Rebalance your portfolio if needed, considering changes in market conditions or your personal circumstances.
Remember, investing for long-term wealth requires discipline, patience, and a well-thought-out strategy. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to create a customized plan tailored to your goals and financial situation. Keep up the good work, and stay committed to your journey towards financial success!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello...I am 39 years old with a stable income of 49000. I have been investing in mutual funds in since the last three years, namely in SBI bluechip (5k Sip), SBI Balanced Advantage fund since NFO(3L lumpsum), AB sunlife ELSS (2k sip) and SBI nifty Equal Weight NFO (1L). I am thinking of investing 5k SIP per month in SBI Liquid fund since I don't not have much savings and want to keep some amount as liquid. Apart from that I want to invest 5k in SBI Dividend Fund for long term to benefit from dividends in the long term. I thankfully do not have any debt but do not have much growth also. I have Life insurance and health insurances for myself and my family. I live in Assam. Would you suggest any changes in my portfolio to maintain growth as well as build wealth over 10 years?
Ans: It's commendable that you've been investing diligently and are seeking ways to improve your portfolio. Let's take a detailed look at your current investments and provide a plan to enhance growth and build wealth over the next 10 years.

Current Financial Snapshot

Income:

Stable monthly income of Rs. 49,000.
Investments:

SBI Bluechip Fund: Rs. 5,000 SIP monthly.
SBI Balanced Advantage Fund: Rs. 3 lakh lump sum.
AB Sunlife ELSS Fund: Rs. 2,000 SIP monthly.
SBI Nifty Equal Weight Fund: Rs. 1 lakh lump sum.
Insurance:

Adequate life and health insurance for yourself and your family.
No Debt:

You thankfully have no debts, which is a strong financial position.
Evaluating Current Portfolio

SBI Bluechip Fund:

Large-cap funds like SBI Bluechip offer stability and moderate growth.
Suitable for long-term goals due to lower volatility.
SBI Balanced Advantage Fund:

Dynamic asset allocation fund balancing equity and debt.
Provides a cushion during market downturns.
AB Sunlife ELSS Fund:

ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C.
Equity exposure provides higher returns over the long term.
SBI Nifty Equal Weight Fund:

Exposure to a diversified set of large-cap stocks.
Equal weight strategy provides balanced risk and return.
Proposed New Investments

SBI Liquid Fund:

Considered for emergency savings and liquidity.
Low risk, but returns are lower compared to equity funds.
SBI Dividend Fund:

Dividends can provide regular income.
However, dividend income is subject to taxation.
Recommendations for Portfolio Optimization

Emergency Fund and Liquidity

SBI Liquid Fund:
It's a good idea to keep some funds liquid for emergencies.
Aim to build an emergency fund equal to 6 months of expenses.
A monthly SIP of Rs. 5,000 in a liquid fund is reasonable.
Focus on Growth and Wealth Creation

Reallocate to Growth-Oriented Funds:

Increase exposure to equity mutual funds for long-term growth.
Consider multi-cap or mid-cap funds for higher returns.
Systematic Investment Planning (SIP):

Continue with your SIPs and increase them if possible.
Regular SIPs help in rupee cost averaging and benefit from market volatility.
Avoid Dividend Funds for Growth:

Dividend funds distribute earnings, reducing the compounding effect.
Opt for growth funds to maximize wealth accumulation.
Tax-Efficient Investments

Maximize ELSS Investments:
Utilize the Rs. 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C fully.
Increase your ELSS SIP to Rs. 4,000 monthly for better tax savings and growth.
Review Insurance Policies

Evaluate Life Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate term insurance coverage.
Term plans are cost-effective and provide high coverage.
Health Insurance:

Review and update health insurance to cover medical inflation.
Ensure the sum insured is sufficient for your family’s needs.
Diversification and Asset Allocation

Balanced Portfolio:

Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
Include debt funds to reduce overall portfolio risk.
Regular Rebalancing:

Review your portfolio every six months.
Rebalance to maintain the desired asset allocation.
Exploring New Investment Avenues

Direct Equity:

If you have the knowledge, consider investing in individual stocks.
Direct equity can offer higher returns but comes with higher risk.
Public Provident Fund (PPF):

Invest in PPF for a safe and tax-free return.
It’s a good long-term investment with tax benefits.
Financial Discipline and Continuous Learning

Maintain Financial Discipline:

Stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Prioritize investments over discretionary spending.
Educate Yourself:

Stay updated on financial markets and investment options.
Attend webinars, read financial blogs, and consider courses on finance.
Final Insights

Achieving your financial goals requires a disciplined and well-rounded approach. Your current investments in mutual funds are a good start. Continue with your SIPs in SBI Bluechip, SBI Balanced Advantage, and AB Sunlife ELSS funds. To improve liquidity, start a SIP in SBI Liquid Fund and build an emergency fund. However, reconsider the SBI Dividend Fund. Instead, focus on growth funds to maximize wealth creation over the long term.

Increase your ELSS SIP to fully utilize the tax benefits under Section 80C. Diversify your investments by including multi-cap and mid-cap funds. Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation. Stay disciplined with your investments and continuously educate yourself on financial matters.

With these strategies, you can achieve substantial growth and build a robust financial future over the next 10 years. Remember, consistency and informed decision-making are key to long-term financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

But income is irregular. That needs caution.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

That makes it Rs.4.5 lakhs total liquid safety.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

So current emergency fund is slightly lower than ideal.

 

Please don’t use this for loan prepayment now.

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

That hurts long-term wealth building.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Liquidity once lost = flexibility lost.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Maintain Strong Liquidity First
Keep FD and gold untouched.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Don’t stop mutual fund investments to prepay loan.

 

Stay invested. Let wealth compound.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Target 1–2 bulk part-payments per year.

 

This reduces tenure and interest slowly, without affecting liquidity.

 

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

 

Check how each prepayment is reducing principal.

 

Adjust your strategy accordingly.

 

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

 

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

 

Stay flexible. You are self-employed.

 

You need cash buffers more than salaried people.

 

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

 

Keep SIPs going and maintain your compounding.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

 

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

 

It is a consumption asset, not a growth asset.

 

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

 

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

 

Option 1: Use Own Money Fully
Pros

No interest cost. You save on total expenses.

 

You are free from monthly EMI pressure.

 

Car becomes fully yours from day one.

 

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

 

Cons

Your liquid money reduces.

 

You may not have enough cash for emergencies.

 

Opportunity loss if you had invested that money.

 

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

Vehicle Loan Pros

You can preserve your savings for emergencies.

 

EMI can be budgeted monthly, if income is stable.

 

Some banks offer competitive interest rates.

 

Vehicle Loan Cons

You will pay interest on a depreciating item.

 

Loan adds to your monthly obligations.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

FDR gives around 6% to 7% before tax.

 

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

 

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

 

Tax on interest or gains reduces actual return further.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Instead, pay 70–80% from own funds.

 

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

 

This keeps EMI low and retains some liquidity.

 

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

 

Park that in liquid fund for any urgent need.

 

Repay this small loan fast in 1–2 years.

 

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

 

You already have 3–6 months emergency fund ready.

 

You don’t have big loans running now.

 

You can pay EMI without affecting savings.

 

You commit to close the loan early.

 

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

 

Loan should not expand your car budget.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

But for personal use, there is no tax benefit.

 

So do not take loan just for imagined tax saving.

 

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

 

Using your own money fully keeps things simple and cheap.

 

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

 

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

 

Take small loan only if needed and close it early.

 

Always keep emergency money aside before buying.

 

Avoid emotional buying or overbudget cars.

 

Your financially balanced approach is very appreciable.

 

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

...Read more

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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