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Ramalingam Kalirajan |9189 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 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

Question by Sriram on Apr 03, 2023Hindi

Sir, I am 45 years old and have the following investments in Mutual Funds and other investments. Kindly review my portfolio and suggest changes as needed. My goals are: retirement and higher education for my son who is 13 years old now AXIS LONG TERM EQUITY FUND REGULAR IDCW PAYOUT - 1 lakh (one time) AXIS MULTICAP FUND-REGULAR PLAN-GROWTH - 1 lakh (one time) DSP TAX SAVER FUND IDCW PAYOUT - 50,000 (one time) ICICI PRUDENTIAL VALUE DISCOVERY FUND IDCW PAYOUT - SIP (5000) SBI BLUE CHIP FUND REGULAR PLAN IDCW PAYOUT - 1 lakh (one time) ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund -IDCW - 1 lakh (one time) Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund - Regular Plan Growth - SIP (5000) Tata India Tax Savings Fund Regular Plan IDCW - 50,000 (one time)

Ans: Reviewing your portfolio and goals is a wise step. Your investments reflect thoughtful planning. Let’s assess and suggest adjustments for your retirement and your son's education.

Reviewing Your Current Investments
Your portfolio consists of various mutual funds with a mix of lump sum investments and SIPs. You have invested in tax-saving funds, blue-chip funds, and multi-cap funds.

Assessing Axis Long Term Equity Fund
This fund is good for tax-saving but consider switching from IDCW payout to growth option. Growth options typically yield better long-term returns.

Evaluating Axis Multicap Fund
This fund offers diversification across market caps. Keeping it in growth mode aligns with long-term goals. Multicap funds can handle market volatility well.

DSP Tax Saver Fund Analysis
Tax-saving funds with IDCW payout might not maximize returns. Switching to growth option can be more beneficial for long-term wealth accumulation.

ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund
SIP investment here is wise. Value funds can offer substantial growth over time. Ensure you monitor its performance regularly.

SBI Blue Chip Fund
Blue-chip funds provide stability and steady returns. Consider switching from IDCW payout to growth option for better long-term benefits.

ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund
Similar to SBI Blue Chip Fund, switching to growth option is advisable. Blue-chip funds are reliable for steady, long-term growth.

Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund
This SIP is well-placed. Emerging bluechip funds balance between mid-cap growth and blue-chip stability. Continue monitoring its performance.

Tata India Tax Savings Fund
Tax-saving funds in IDCW payout mode may not optimize returns. Switching to growth option can help in better wealth creation.

Assessing Portfolio Allocation
Your portfolio is well-diversified across different fund types. However, ensure there's no overlap in large-cap funds. Too much concentration in one type can limit growth.

Balancing Risk and Return
As you are 45, balancing risk and return is crucial. Maintain a mix of equity funds for growth and consider adding debt funds for stability.

Planning for Retirement
Given your age, focus on long-term growth while gradually reducing risk. Equity funds should still be a significant part of your portfolio.

Planning for Son's Education
Your son is 13, so you have about 5-8 years before funds are needed. Prioritize equity funds for growth but start shifting to debt funds as the goal nears.

Considering Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, handled by professional managers, aim to outperform the market. They offer potential for higher returns compared to index funds.

Importance of Regular Funds
Investing through regular funds via a Certified Financial Planner ensures professional management and better guidance aligned with your goals.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly monitor your portfolio’s performance. Rebalance it annually or as needed to ensure alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Leveraging the Power of Compounding
Long-term investments benefit from compounding. Ensure that most of your funds are in growth options to take advantage of compounding.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering at least six months of expenses. This ensures financial stability without disrupting your investment plans.

Tax Efficiency
Review the tax implications of your investments. Growth options in mutual funds can be more tax-efficient compared to IDCW payouts.

Diversification Benefits
Diversification minimizes risk. Ensure your portfolio is well-diversified across various sectors and fund types to optimize returns and manage risk.

Reviewing Fund Managers
Check the performance and strategies of your fund managers. Consistent underperformance may warrant switching to better-performing funds.

Aligning Investments with Financial Goals
Align your investments with specific goals such as retirement and education. This helps in selecting appropriate funds and managing timelines.

Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice. They provide insights and adjustments based on your financial situation and goals.

Avoiding Overlapping Funds
Ensure your portfolio does not have too many overlapping funds. This can reduce diversification benefits and concentrate risk.

Balancing Equity and Debt
Maintain a balanced mix of equity and debt funds. Equity for growth and debt for stability ensures a well-rounded portfolio.

Considering the Economic Outlook
Stay informed about the economic outlook. It can impact fund performance and help you make informed decisions about your investments.

Conclusion
Your portfolio is on the right track. Switching to growth options and balancing equity with debt can optimize your investments for retirement and education goals. Regular monitoring and professional guidance ensure ongoing alignment with your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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