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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6292 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 13, 2024Hindi
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I am 45 years old and I am investing Rs 20 thousand per month in mutual funds through SIP which is currently Rs 40 lakh. Should I withdraw some of this amount and invest in land? Please try to provide proper guidance

Ans: Let's assess the suitability of your current mutual fund investments and explore the option of investing in land considering your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Current Mutual Fund Portfolio Review
Monthly SIP: Investing Rs 20,000 per month in mutual funds through SIP is a commendable strategy for long-term wealth accumulation.
Current Corpus: Your investment of Rs 40 lakh in mutual funds reflects a substantial commitment towards achieving your financial goals.
Factors to Consider:
1. Financial Goals:
Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Determine whether your goal is short-term capital appreciation or long-term wealth creation to fund your retirement or other financial objectives.
2. Risk Tolerance:
Risk Appetite: Assess your risk tolerance and comfort level with different asset classes. Real estate investments typically involve higher risks and illiquidity compared to mutual funds.
3. Real Estate Investment:
Pros:
Tangible Asset: Land investment offers the potential for capital appreciation over time and the possibility of earning rental income.
Hedge against Inflation: Real estate often serves as a hedge against inflation, providing a sense of security against rising prices.
Cons:
Illiquidity: Real estate investments are less liquid compared to mutual funds, making it challenging to access funds quickly in case of emergencies.
High Initial Investment: Investing in land requires a significant upfront capital, and additional costs such as maintenance, taxes, and legal fees may add up.
4. Mutual Fund Investment:
Pros:
Diversification: Mutual funds offer diversification across various asset classes and sectors, reducing concentration risk.
Professional Management: Fund managers handle investment decisions, providing expertise and market insights.
Cons:
Market Volatility: Mutual funds are subject to market fluctuations, and returns may vary based on market conditions.
No Tangible Asset: Unlike real estate, mutual funds represent ownership in a portfolio of securities rather than physical assets.
Recommendation:
Diversification: Consider maintaining your existing mutual fund investments while exploring opportunities to diversify your portfolio.
Financial Planning: Review your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to tailor a suitable investment strategy.
Real Estate Due Diligence: If you decide to invest in land, conduct thorough research, assess location, market trends, and potential for appreciation. Consult with real estate professionals for guidance.
Risk Management: Regardless of your investment choice, ensure proper risk management and asset allocation to maintain a balanced portfolio.
Conclusion:
Both mutual funds and real estate offer unique advantages and considerations. Assess your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon carefully before making any decisions. Consult with a financial advisor or CFP for personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances.

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  |6292 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

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I started sip with 500 per month 6 years ago and now I have been investigating 1,20,000per month and do have plan to increase this to 2lac per month (including me and my wife's portfolio) I do invest in direct stocks as well. What would be the advise for me , is it wise decision to invest 2lac per month in mutual funds (70%equity) ? My Target is to build 5 crore by 2030.
Ans: It's commendable that you've been consistently investing and increasing your SIP amount over the years. Here are some considerations and advice:

Diversification: Investing in mutual funds alongside direct stocks provides diversification, which can help mitigate risk. Given your target of building a substantial corpus by 2030, diversification is crucial for long-term wealth creation.
Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance carefully, especially since you mention investing 70% in equity. Equity investments can offer higher returns over the long term but come with greater volatility. Ensure that your risk appetite aligns with your investment strategy.
Review and Adjust: Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Consider rebalancing your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation.
Financial Planning: Consider consulting with a certified financial planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. A professional can provide personalized advice and help optimize your investment strategy.
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial setbacks. This can provide peace of mind and prevent the need to dip into your investment portfolio during times of need.
Tax Planning: Keep tax implications in mind, especially as your investment amount increases. Explore tax-efficient investment options and strategies to optimize your returns and minimize tax liabilities.
Stay Informed: Stay updated on market trends, economic developments, and changes in investment regulations. Continuous learning and staying informed can help you make informed investment decisions.
Ultimately, investing 2 lakh per month in mutual funds can be a wise decision if it aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy. Just ensure you have a well-thought-out plan in place and continue to monitor and adjust your investments as needed.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6292 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

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I am 24 Years Old. Working in Cybersecurity Domain in a Renowned Organization. I am Investing in Mutual Funds through SIP since Last 4-5 Months. Here is my Breakup. I am Investing 50k in SIP. ( 15k Parag Parikh Flexicap + 15k Quant Mid Cap Direct + 13k Aditya Birla PSU Direct Growth + 7k UTI Nifty 50 Index) . I want to know am going right way in terms of investment or should I change the funds or follow some other processes. My Goal is to Gather some corpus to buy a property shortly around in budget (30-40lac,) and after that I will save for future investments. Can You guide me with some better advice.
Ans: It's fantastic to see your proactive approach towards investing at such a young age! Let's dive into your investment strategy and explore some recommendations:
Investment Breakdown:
• You're investing 50,000 rupees per month through SIPs, with allocations across different mutual funds.
• Your current portfolio consists of Parag Parikh Flexicap, Quant Mid Cap, Aditya Birla PSU, and UTI Nifty 50 Index funds.
Amidst your journey, you're undoubtedly making commendable strides towards securing your financial future. However, let's explore some aspects to ensure you're on the right track:
Diversification:
• Diversification is key to mitigating risk and maximizing returns. Your current portfolio seems well-diversified across different market segments, including flexicap, mid-cap, PSU, and index funds. This approach offers exposure to various sectors and can potentially enhance long-term growth prospects.
Active vs. Passive Investing:
• You've chosen actively managed funds, which offer the benefit of professional fund management and the potential for outperformance. While index funds like UTI Nifty 50 Index provide low-cost exposure to market indices, they may lack the potential for alpha generation compared to actively managed funds. Active management allows fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities and adapt to changing market conditions, potentially leading to superior returns over time.
Future Goals:
• Your goal of accumulating a corpus to purchase property aligns with your long-term financial objectives. As you progress towards this milestone, continue to prioritize disciplined saving and prudent investment decisions. Consider revisiting your asset allocation and investment strategy periodically to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving goals and risk tolerance.
Recommendations:
• Given your goal of purchasing property in the near future, maintaining a balanced approach to investing is essential. Consider continuing with your current SIP allocations, as they offer diversification and potential for growth. However, if you're considering adjustments, consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and goals.
• When it comes to purchasing property, start researching potential locations, property types, and financing options. Additionally, continue saving diligently towards your down payment and associated expenses to achieve your homeownership goal.
Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay focused on your objectives while adapting to changing circumstances. With your proactive mindset and commitment to financial growth, you're well-positioned to achieve your aspirations. Keep up the excellent work, and don't hesitate to seek professional advice whenever needed. Your dedication to financial literacy and planning will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter financial future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6292 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Dear Sir, I am 40 years old, happily married, have 2 daughters 7 years and 3 years old. My financials are 1. Real Estate 1.50 cr. Land and 2 houses (house value: 85 lakhs: Monthly rental yield 30,000) 2. ULIP 18,000 monthly for 5 years. (19 months completed. Corpus: 4 lakhs) C. Mutual funds 50,000 (just started). I can invest monthly 1.50 lakhs now. Please advice the best categories of Mutual Funds to invest as SIP. Also, thinking to sell the house of 85 lakhs value and put in SWP. Please advice.
Ans: You are 40 years old, happily married with two daughters aged 7 and 3. You have real estate worth Rs. 1.50 crores, including two houses (one valued at Rs. 85 lakhs with a monthly rental yield of Rs. 30,000). You have a ULIP with a monthly contribution of Rs. 18,000 for 5 years, with 19 months completed and a corpus of Rs. 4 lakhs. You have just started investing Rs. 50,000 in mutual funds. You can invest Rs. 1.50 lakhs monthly now.

Investment in Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds are essential for long-term growth. They provide high returns over time. You can invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Large-cap funds are less risky. Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher returns but come with higher risks.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds provide stability to your portfolio. They invest in bonds and government securities. They are less volatile and offer regular returns. You can consider short-term and long-term debt funds based on your investment horizon.

Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They balance risk and return. They are suitable for moderate risk takers. They provide stability with some growth potential.

Tax-saving Mutual Funds
ELSS funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C. They have a lock-in period of 3 years. They offer good returns and help in tax planning. You can allocate a portion of your investments to these funds.

Selling the House and SWP
Selling the house worth Rs. 85 lakhs can provide a lump sum. You can invest this in a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). SWP offers regular income from mutual funds. It provides flexibility and better returns compared to rental income. Ensure to consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to align this with your financial goals.

Investment Strategy
Increase your SIP contributions to Rs. 1.50 lakhs monthly. Diversify your investments across equity, debt, and hybrid funds. Review your portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Professional Guidance
Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can provide a tailored financial plan. Professional guidance helps achieve your financial goals efficiently.

Final Insights
Focus on long-term growth with equity funds. Maintain stability with debt funds. Balance risk and return with hybrid funds. Consider tax-saving ELSS funds. Review your portfolio regularly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nitin

Nitin Narkhede  |11 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Guru - Answered on Sep 15, 2024

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Dear Sir, i am an NRI, investing in mutual funds and stocks through NRO account for quite some time and i am planning to move to india approximately in another 2-3 years of time , given that NRO have high taxation, i just wanted to understand how to swiftly transfer mutual funds and taxes from nro account to indian resident account ? Appreciate if you could provide advice as well as SWP method ?
Ans: Dear Rudolf,
As an NRI planning to move back to India in 2-3 years, transitioning your investments from an NRO account to a resident account requires careful planning. First, once you become a resident, you need to convert your NRO account into a regular resident savings account. This involves contacting your bank, providing updated KYC details, and submitting proof of your new residency status in India. Additionally, you must inform mutual fund houses or registrars (like CAMS/Karvy) about your change in residential status by submitting a KYC modification form.
In terms of taxation, as an NRI, you are currently subject to higher taxes on your investments. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity funds are taxed at 10%, while short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 15%. For debt mutual funds, LTCG is taxed at 20% with indexation benefits, and STCG is taxed according to your income slab. Once you become a resident, the taxation on these investments will continue under resident tax laws, but any new gains after your status change will be taxed according to resident regulations.
To efficiently manage your investments, you can opt for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). This allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual funds regularly while keeping the rest invested. SWP is tax-efficient, as you only pay capital gains tax on the withdrawn portion. After becoming a resident, you can easily set up SWPs to your regular savings account for steady income, while the rest of your investments continue to grow.
So to conclude, it is essential to update your bank and mutual fund KYC details when you return to India to ensure regulatory compliance and take advantage of resident tax laws. SWP can provide regular income while managing taxes efficiently. You need to contact a professional Advisor or CA for managing all your assets.
Best regards,
Nitin Narkhede
Founder & MD, Prosperity Lifestyle Hub https://Nitinnarkhede.com
Free Webinar https://bit.ly/PLH-Webinar

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Nitin Narkhede  |11 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Guru - Answered on Sep 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 14, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir - I'm 35 years. Both myself and a better half are working with a monthly income of 3.65L together (2.8L mine + 85K wife's). We have a 5 year old male kid. We have a SBI max gain home loan account with a debt of 12.65L and a parked amount of 26.5L apart from the EMI paid so far from previous 5 years. No EMI on car purchased. EPF ~29L, PPF started for both of us an year back. Also started a monthly SIP of ~1.2-1.5L in MF from Jan'2024 with 8.5L balance so far and will continue the SIP in the below funds atleast for next 10 years. Not considering debt funds as I'm already having EPF and PPF components and will periodically review these funds. 1. Nifty next 50 Index, 2. Small Cap 250 Index, 3. Multi Cap, Active 4. Mid Cap, Active 5. Flexi Cap, Active Better half may quit her job by Mar'2025. We are looking to close home loan by March'2025 and stay EMI/debt free with a peace of mind. Is it a wise decision to close a home loan by this financial year and increase the monthly SIP to 2L from next financial year? Or) invest the home loan balance amount in real estate (preferably buying a land)? especially when the home loan interest of upto 3.5L are tax fee in the old tax regime. Thanks!
Ans: Dear Friend, Given your current financial standing, closing your home loan by March 2025 seems like a wise choice. You have Rs 26.5L parked in the SBI Max Gain account, which already reduces your interest liability. By clearing the remaining Rs 12.65L, you can become debt-free, providing peace of mind and freeing up your EMI payments for additional investments. While the home loan offers tax benefits under the old regime, the psychological comfort of being debt-free may outweigh the potential tax savings, especially since your financial portfolio is already strong.
Once the loan is closed, increasing your monthly SIPs to Rs 2L would be a smart move. Over the next 10 years, equity mutual funds, which historically offer returns of 10-12% annually, can significantly grow your wealth. Since you are already investing in a diversified portfolio of index, small-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds, increasing these investments aligns well with your long-term goals.
Investing in real estate, particularly land, can provide diversification. However, real estate is typically less liquid and the returns can be location-dependent. If you're confident in the property’s growth potential, this can be a good long-term investment. However, your existing strategy of focusing on equity mutual funds will likely offer better returns and flexibility, given your 10-year investment horizon.
So closing your home loan by March 2025 and redirecting the freed-up funds into increased SIPs appears to be the best route. It balances peace of mind, tax efficiency, and long-term wealth creation, while real estate can be considered for diversification if you find a promising opportunity.
There are many real estate opportunities like REIT or Partial ownership in commercial properties which can also yield between 14 to 22% overall return with about 5 to 8% monthly return and 10 to 12% of Growth in the Asset Value at end of tenure.
Investment is commodities like gold and silver can also yield a return of 8 to 10% with reducing the risk in one sector.
Diversification is the mantra, do not depend on only one or two type of investment avenues. Explore other options as well.

Best regards,
Nitin Narkhede
Founder & MD, Prosperity Lifestyle Hub https://Nitinnarkhede.com
Free Webinar https://bit.ly/PLH-Webinar

...Read more

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Dr Karthiyayini Mahadevan  |1065 Answers  |Ask -

General Physician - Answered on Sep 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 13, 2024Hindi
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I am 75 + ....Around two months back I was diagnosed as dengue positive with platelet count at 75,000. with proper medication, platelet counts were increased to 2,05,000 and fever was subsided.However swellings on both arms and legs persisted.. Off late on my both solders i am suffering severe pain and enable to make any movement, i feel like inner vain of my both hands are getting stretched/pulled (right from my solder to the finger tips and swelling on both hands and legs are still there. My doctor says that it may continue for another two three months and proscribed me only pain killer tablets.Doctor says that there is no specific medicine for Dengue. I got thorough blood and urine test along with other test like scanning, x-ray etc. All the test reports are normal except slightly blood sugar (PP) on higher side and enlargement of prostate gland (which is there since last 10 years and i am on regular medicine (silodosin 8-mg, one tab a day) Kindly advise me with your good suggestions that what could be the cause of this problem and which expert doctor I should consult since it is very difficult situation for carrying out my routine activities and also I can't sleep properly due to severe pain. Thank you
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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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