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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8333 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 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 - May 06, 2024Hindi
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I am 43 years old and Started SIP in 2018. Kindly suggest about the funds. Following are my current mutual fund investments: AXIS Blue Chip fund Monthly SIP of Rs 3500 Mirae Large and Mid Cap fund Monthly SIP of Rs 2000/- Invesco India contra fund Monthly SIP of Rs 6000/- Axis Small Cap Fund Monthly SIP of Rs 5000/- Kotek flexicap fund Monthly SIP of RS 4000/- Sbi Banking & Financial Services fund Monthly SIP Rs.3500 Franklin India Prima fund monthly SIP Rs.1000.

Ans: Your current mutual fund portfolio reflects a thoughtful approach to wealth accumulation through systematic investment plans (SIPs). Let's delve into each aspect of your portfolio and assess its performance and potential.

Diversification Analysis
Your portfolio comprises a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds, offering diversification across market segments. This diversification mitigates risk and enhances the potential for returns.

Performance Assessment
Each fund has its unique investment strategy and objectives. Analyzing their historical performance against benchmarks and peers provides insights into their efficacy in delivering returns.

Fund Selection Rationale
Your selection of funds appears to be well-researched, considering factors such as fund manager expertise, consistency in performance, and alignment with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Active vs. Passive Management
Your focus on actively managed funds suggests a preference for capitalizing on the expertise of fund managers to navigate market fluctuations and exploit growth opportunities. This approach contrasts with passive strategies like index funds, which lack the agility and discretion of active management.

SIP vs. Lump Sum Investment
SIPs offer the advantage of rupee cost averaging, enabling you to buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. This disciplined approach to investing smoothens market volatility and fosters long-term wealth creation.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
By investing through a Certified Financial Planner, you benefit from professional guidance and portfolio monitoring. Regular funds, though they may have slightly higher expense ratios compared to direct funds, offer value through expert advice, ensuring optimal fund selection and allocation.

Future Considerations
Regularly reviewing your portfolio's performance and aligning it with evolving financial goals is crucial. Periodic rebalancing may be necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation and adapt to changing market dynamics.

Conclusion
Your mutual fund portfolio reflects a prudent approach to wealth management, characterized by diversification, active management, and systematic investment. As a Certified Financial Planner, I commend your diligence and commitment to long-term financial well-being.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8333 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 43 years old and a salaried person. Started in SIP in 2018. Kindly suggest about the funds. Following are my current mutual fund investments: 1) Franklin India Prima fund Rs.1000 2) Invesco India Contra Fund Rs.6000 3) Kotak flexicap fund Rs.4000 4) Mirae Large & midcap fund Rs.2000 5) Axis Bluchip fund 3500 6) Sbi Banking & financial service fund Rs.3500 7) Axis Small cap fund Rs.5000. All i have monthly SIP. please suggest me if any changes require.
Ans: It's great to see that you've started investing in mutual funds through SIPs. Here are some suggestions regarding your current mutual fund investments:

• Diversification: You have a good mix of funds across various categories, which is essential for diversification. It's important to spread your investments across different sectors and market capitalizations to reduce risk.

• Review Performance: Periodically review the performance of your funds to ensure they are meeting your expectations and performing in line with their peers and benchmarks.

• Consider Your Goals: Reflect on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon to determine if your current funds align with your objectives. If you have specific goals such as retirement planning or wealth accumulation, consider adjusting your portfolio accordingly.

• Evaluate Fund Managers: Assess the track record and expertise of the fund managers managing your investments. Look for consistency in performance and a clear investment strategy aligned with your goals.

• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with market trends, economic developments, and changes in regulations that may impact your investments. Stay connected with your financial advisor or conduct your research to make informed decisions.

• Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a qualified financial advisor to get personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your needs.

Overall, while your current mutual fund portfolio appears well-diversified, it's essential to periodically review and adjust your investments based on changes in your financial situation and market conditions. By staying disciplined and informed, you can work towards achieving your financial goals effectively.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8333 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 20, 2024

Money
Sir i have started Sip of rs 10000 in icici prudential large cap fund and rs 3000 nippon large cap fund Rs 2000 in canara robeco blue chip fund. I have requirement of funds after around 10 yrs. Kindly suggest if the funds are good. Ci have another 10000 to invest in sip can you suggest some funds
Ans: You have already started SIPs in ICICI Prudential Large Cap Fund, Nippon Large Cap Fund, and Canara Robeco Bluechip Fund. This shows a good diversification across large-cap funds. Large-cap funds are known for their stability and consistent returns, especially over a long-term horizon like 10 years. Your choice of funds is generally sound for building a strong foundation in your portfolio. However, let’s take a closer look at the specific types of funds and the overall strategy.

Large-Cap Funds: Understanding the Benefits

Large-cap funds primarily invest in companies with a large market capitalization. These companies are usually well-established, financially stable, and less volatile compared to mid-cap and small-cap companies. This means:

Lower Risk: Large-cap companies are more stable, making the investment less risky.

Steady Returns: These funds tend to provide steady and moderate returns over time.

Strong Market Presence: The companies in large-cap funds often have a significant presence in the market, adding an element of security to your investments.

Consistency: Large-cap funds have a track record of providing consistent returns, which is ideal for your 10-year investment horizon.

Analysis of Your Fund Choices

You have chosen to invest in three large-cap funds. Here is how this strategy aligns with your financial goals:

ICICI Prudential Large Cap Fund: This fund is known for its robust portfolio and strong performance in the large-cap space. It tends to be well-diversified, focusing on high-quality companies.

Nippon Large Cap Fund: This fund has a reputation for being more conservative, which can balance the other funds in your portfolio. It is a good choice if you seek stability with moderate growth.

Canara Robeco Bluechip Fund: Canara Robeco’s fund is another strong performer in the large-cap category. It provides a good mix of growth and value investing, which can enhance your portfolio’s overall performance.

These funds collectively provide you with a diversified large-cap portfolio, reducing your risk while aiming for steady returns over the next decade. However, investing in multiple funds of the same category (large-cap) could result in overlap, meaning you might not be fully capitalizing on other segments of the market.

Suggestions for Your Additional SIP Investment

Since you have another Rs 10,000 to invest monthly in SIPs, let’s consider diversifying beyond large-cap funds. Diversification across different categories of funds can help you balance risk and optimize returns. Here are some suggestions:

Mid-Cap Funds: Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies that have the potential for higher growth than large-cap companies. Although they come with slightly higher risk, they can offer better returns, especially in a 10-year horizon.

Small-Cap Funds: These funds invest in smaller companies that are often in the growth phase. They are riskier than large and mid-cap funds but can offer significant returns if the companies perform well over time.

Flexi-Cap Funds: Flexi-cap funds invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. They provide flexibility to the fund manager to allocate funds based on market conditions. This can be beneficial in capturing opportunities across market segments.

Balanced Advantage Funds: These funds dynamically allocate between equity and debt based on market conditions. They offer the benefit of equity growth while managing downside risk through debt investments.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds: If you have a higher risk appetite and want to take advantage of specific sectors like technology, pharma, or infrastructure, sectoral or thematic funds could be an option. However, these funds can be more volatile and require closer monitoring.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds

While index funds are often touted for their low expense ratios, actively managed funds have several advantages, especially in a dynamic market like India:

Potential for Higher Returns: Actively managed funds aim to outperform the benchmark index, offering the potential for higher returns compared to index funds.

Flexibility: Fund managers have the flexibility to adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, which can protect your investments during downturns.

Research and Expertise: Active funds benefit from the research and expertise of fund managers, who make informed decisions to maximize returns.

Tactical Allocation: Active funds can tactically shift allocations between sectors or market caps, allowing you to benefit from market trends.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds, while popular, come with some disadvantages:

Limited Returns: Index funds are designed to mirror the performance of a benchmark index, which means they cannot outperform the market. This limits your return potential.

No Flexibility: Index funds stick to a predetermined list of stocks, regardless of market conditions. This lack of flexibility can be a disadvantage in volatile markets.

Tracking Error: Although index funds aim to replicate an index, tracking errors can occur, leading to deviations in performance.

No Downside Protection: In a market downturn, index funds will mirror the losses of the index with no protective strategies in place.

The Importance of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner

Investing through a regular plan with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide several benefits over direct plans:

Personalized Advice: A CFP can tailor your investment strategy based on your specific financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Regular Monitoring: A CFP can regularly review your portfolio and suggest changes as needed to ensure you stay on track to meet your goals.

Holistic Financial Planning: Beyond mutual funds, a CFP can help you with tax planning, retirement planning, insurance, and estate planning, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your finances.

Access to Expertise: Regular plans come with the benefit of professional management and access to the expertise of financial advisors, who can help you navigate complex financial decisions.

Behavioural Guidance: Investing can be emotional, and a CFP can help you avoid common mistakes like panic selling during market downturns or over-investing during booms.

Finally: Aligning Your Investments with Your Goals

Your current portfolio of large-cap funds is a solid foundation for achieving your financial goals over the next 10 years. However, diversifying into other types of equity funds can further enhance your portfolio’s growth potential while managing risk. Consider allocating your additional Rs 10,000 SIP into a mix of mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds to capture growth opportunities across the market spectrum.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures that you receive personalized guidance, expert advice, and regular monitoring of your investments. This can help you achieve your financial goals with confidence, while also ensuring that your portfolio is well-balanced and aligned with your long-term objectives.

Remember, investing is a journey, and staying committed to your plan, regularly reviewing your portfolio, and making informed decisions with the help of a professional will help you reach your destination successfully.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8333 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

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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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