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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2025

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
Piyush Question by Piyush on Aug 21, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi Sir, I am 45 yrs old and following are my investments. I have my own house. No EMI's. wife is working in school since last 3 yrs. daughter 12 yrs old. I have kotak policy where i give 3k/month which is set to get matured in 2029, NPS-2k/month, Sukanya samridhi- 2k/month, LIC policy for daughter- 36711/yr, wife has a LIC policy which she started 2 yrs back- 120000/yr and wife also has 2 mutual funds where she invests 2.5k/month each- HDFC top 100 Large cap and Nippon Large Cap. any suggestions on my investments or where i can invest may be 2k/month. Please advice

Ans: You have managed to keep life simple and stable. At 45, with no EMI and a working spouse, you are in a comfortable position. Your daughter’s future is also on your mind, which is wonderful. Now, let us study your current portfolio and see how to make it better.

» Present snapshot
– Kotak policy: Rs 3,000 per month till 2029.
– NPS: Rs 2,000 per month.
– Sukanya Samriddhi: Rs 2,000 per month.
– LIC policy for daughter: Rs 36,711 per year.
– Wife LIC policy: Rs 1,20,000 per year.
– Wife SIPs: Rs 2,500 each in two large cap funds.
– House owned, no EMI.
– Family: wife working, daughter age 12.

» Strengths in your planning
– Own house gives stability and no rent stress.
– Sukanya Samriddhi ensures secured education or marriage fund for daughter.
– NPS adds one more source of retirement income.
– SIP in equity funds has already started, which is good discipline.
– Wife contributes to family wealth actively.
– You have thought of protection through insurance policies.

» Weaknesses seen
– High allocation towards insurance policies.
– These give low return compared to mutual funds.
– Kotak policy is investment plus insurance, returns are modest.
– LIC policy for daughter is not efficient. Insurance should not be bought for children.
– Wife’s LIC policy is heavy premium and early stage.
– Equity mutual fund allocation is very small.
– SIP of Rs 2,000 in NPS will not be enough for retirement.
– Excess money locked in low return products reduces long-term wealth.

» Issue with investment cum insurance policies
– These mix protection and savings.
– Insurance cover is very low compared to need.
– Returns are also less than mutual funds.
– For long-term wealth, equity mutual funds are better.
– Insurance should be separate, only for protection.
– If surrendered, reinvestment into mutual funds will grow faster.

» Importance of term insurance
– At present, no pure term insurance is mentioned.
– Term cover gives large protection at low cost.
– This protects wife and daughter if something happens to you.
– Policies like LIC or Kotak are not giving enough risk cover.
– Buying sufficient term insurance is very important now.

» Mutual fund strategy
– Currently, only wife is investing in large cap funds.
– Large cap alone will not give best returns for 15 years.
– You can add flexi cap, multi cap, and balanced advantage funds.
– Exposure to small and mid cap can be small but helpful.
– Actively managed funds are better than index funds.
– Index funds cannot adjust when market cycles change.
– Active managers rebalance and protect downside.

» Direct fund risk
– If you and wife are investing in direct funds, review is on you.
– Many investors forget rebalancing and stay in wrong funds.
– Regular funds via MFD with CFP review are safer.
– Expert hand ensures portfolio health and right switches.
– Small extra cost is worth the long-term guidance.

» Retirement outlook
– At 45, you may have 15 years till retirement.
– Current allocation is not enough for retirement wealth.
– NPS of Rs 2,000 is too small.
– LIC and Kotak policies will not give enough growth.
– You need higher equity mutual fund allocation.
– At least Rs 10,000–15,000 monthly in equity funds is needed.
– This can be slowly built from extra savings.

» Child education and marriage
– Daughter is 12, higher education is 6 years away.
– Marriage is 15+ years away.
– Sukanya Samriddhi will give guaranteed sum but returns are limited.
– Add equity mutual funds for better growth for education goal.
– SIP linked to child’s education fund can create required corpus.
– Do not depend only on Sukanya and LIC.

» Health protection
– No mention of health insurance.
– Health expenses can eat savings.
– Family health cover should be taken for all.
– At least Rs 10–15 lakh coverage needed.
– This saves you from using EPF or mutual funds in medical emergency.

» Where to put extra Rs 2,000 per month
– Avoid putting into another LIC or endowment policy.
– Put into diversified equity mutual fund.
– Choose active fund category like flexi cap or multi asset.
– This small amount will grow meaningfully in 15 years.
– Increasing SIPs as income grows is also key.

» Tax angle
– Equity mutual funds are tax friendly.
– LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG taxed at 20%.
– Debt products like FD or insurance returns are fully taxed at slab rate.
– By using equity mutual funds, you pay lower tax and build wealth.

» Action plan for you
– Buy term insurance cover.
– Buy adequate health insurance for family.
– Continue Sukanya contribution till maturity.
– Continue NPS, but also increase equity mutual funds.
– Slowly reduce exposure to Kotak policy and LIC policies.
– Invest surrendered money into diversified equity funds.
– Wife should continue SIPs but diversify beyond large cap.
– Increase family SIPs step by step every year.
– Keep emergency fund in liquid mutual fund, not in bank account.

» Finally
– You have no EMI burden and own house, which is a big strength.
– You have created many small savings buckets.
– But too much money is locked in low-return policies.
– You need more equity mutual fund exposure for long-term growth.
– Secure family with term insurance and health cover.
– Use SIPs for child education and retirement goals.
– Shift from insurance-based investments to proper mutual funds.
– This will give balance of safety and growth for your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 18, 2023Hindi
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I have two daughters and their age is 16 and 15 and i own 50 lakhs bank FD , 9 lakhs invested in MF me and my wife have invest 60 lakhs in share market and my age 51 year old. Can you plz suggest the best option for investment . for my future education of two kids and my and my wife upcoming old age( My family ) i have 3 lakhs mediclaim and have few LIC policies. I request you to give me the best advice or suggest the best investment for my growth of money and as a monthly income ( Home expenses ) plz reply
Ans: Given your family's financial situation and goals, it's crucial to create a comprehensive investment plan that considers both growth and stability. Here's a suggested approach:

Education Fund for Daughters: Since your daughters are nearing college age, consider setting aside a portion of your investments specifically for their education expenses. You may allocate a portion of your bank FDs and MF investments towards this goal, ensuring it grows over time to meet their educational needs.
Retirement Planning: As you and your wife approach retirement, it's essential to prioritize building a sufficient corpus to support your lifestyle in old age. Consider diversifying your investment portfolio to include a mix of equity, debt, and balanced funds, along with retirement-focused instruments like the National Pension System (NPS) or Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS).
Health and Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for your family's medical needs. Additionally, review your existing LIC policies to ensure they align with your current financial goals and provide adequate coverage for your family's future needs.
Monthly Income: To generate regular income for your household expenses during retirement, consider investing in dividend-paying stocks, mutual funds with dividend options, or fixed income instruments like Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) or Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS).
Regular Review and Adjustment: Regularly review your investment portfolio to track its performance, make necessary adjustments, and ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your family's specific financial situation and goals. Together, you can create a customized investment plan that addresses your needs for growth, income, and financial security.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 30, 2024Hindi
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I am 29 years old married male working in private sector with monthly income of 1lacs per month, currently I dont have any loans on me, I want to buy a house by the time I am 35 or 36 in NCR, secondly I want to invest for my childs future studies and marriage he is one year old now and lastly I want to retire by 55-56 with 5-7 cr in hand. Currently I have invested in one ULIP policy of hdfc life with 60000 as anual premium, I have term life insurance with 85000 as annual premium and cover of 2 cr till I am 85 years old. I have 2 sip runnings 3500 each one in mirae asset mutual fund and one in icici prudential blue chip fund, apart from these I have invested approx 5lacs in various equities as well which involve infosys, tata steel, tata motors, anand rathi wealth management, vodafone Idea, exide ind, jsw energy, rail tel, lic, sbi cards, bob, etc. along with all these investments I send approx 20k to my parents every month I want to know how and where should I invest further to achieve my goals of buying a house, my child's future and my retirement.
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
You have a solid financial foundation. With a monthly income of Rs 1 lakh and no loans, you have ample opportunities to build wealth. Your investments in mutual funds, equities, and insurance are commendable. However, achieving your goals requires a more focused strategy.

Buying a House in NCR by Age 35-36
Down Payment Savings: Start a targeted savings plan. You’ll need around 20-30% of the property value for the down payment. Consider investing in a short-term debt mutual fund. This will provide stability and some growth over the next few years.

Avoid ULIPs for House Savings: ULIPs often have high charges and may not yield as much as a well-chosen mutual fund. Consider reallocating your ULIP investments to more suitable options.

Equity Diversification: Your current stock portfolio is diverse. However, for short-term goals like buying a house, reduce exposure to volatile stocks. Consider moving some funds to more stable, dividend-yielding stocks.

Planning for Your Child’s Future
Education Fund: Start a dedicated SIP in a child education-focused mutual fund. Actively managed funds have the potential for higher returns, which will help you build a significant corpus over time. Increase your SIP contributions as your income grows.

Marriage Fund: Start a parallel SIP for your child’s marriage. Since this is a long-term goal, allocate more towards equity funds, which tend to outperform other asset classes over the long term.

Review Insurance Needs: Your current term life insurance is adequate for now. However, as your family grows, you may need to reassess your coverage. Ensure your term plan adequately covers future education and marriage expenses.

Retirement Planning by Age 55-56
Corpus Target: To retire with Rs 5-7 crore, you need aggressive growth in your investments. Increase your SIP contributions in equity mutual funds. Actively managed funds can outperform index funds over the long term, especially in the Indian market.

Regular Contributions: Continue and gradually increase your SIPs as your income rises. The power of compounding will help you achieve your retirement goal.

Diversification: Diversify across different equity funds to reduce risk. Consider adding a balanced mutual fund to your portfolio for a mix of growth and stability.

Refining Your Current Investments
Review ULIP: The ULIP you’ve invested in may not be the best option for long-term growth. The charges involved are often high, and returns might not match those of mutual funds. Consider surrendering the ULIP and reallocating those funds into SIPs.

Mutual Fund Strategy: Your current SIPs in Mirae Asset and ICICI Prudential are good choices. However, considering your long-term goals, you might want to increase your SIP contributions or add more funds that align with your risk profile.

Stock Portfolio: Your equity investments are diverse. Ensure that you periodically review the performance of each stock. Stay updated on company performance, especially in volatile sectors like telecom.

Supporting Your Parents
Budget Allocation: Continue sending Rs 20,000 to your parents. This is a noble gesture and should be factored into your monthly budget. Ensure that this commitment doesn’t compromise your investment goals.

Emergency Fund: Keep an emergency fund aside for unexpected family needs. A portion of this can be in a liquid fund or a fixed deposit for quick access.

Final Insights
Reassess Insurance: Ensure that your term insurance adequately covers all future financial responsibilities. Avoid mixing insurance with investment. Term plans are cost-effective for pure life cover.

Avoid Real Estate as Investment: Focus on mutual funds and equity investments for long-term wealth creation. Real estate can be a high-cost, low-liquidity investment.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner: Regularly review and adjust your investment strategy with a Certified Financial Planner. They can help you stay on track to meet your goals.

Your financial goals are ambitious, but with a well-structured plan, they are achievable. Keep investing consistently and review your strategy regularly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 31, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 30, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am 29 years old married male working in private sector with monthly income of 1lacs per month, currently I dont have any loans on me, I want to buy a house by the time I am 35 or 36 in NCR, secondly I want to invest for my childs future studies and marriage he is one year old now and lastly I want to retire by 55-56 with 5-7 cr in hand. Currently I have invested in one ULIP policy of hdfc life with 60000 as anual premium, I have term life insurance with 85000 as annual premium and cover of 2 cr till I am 85 years old. I have 2 sip runnings 3500 each one in mirae asset mutual fund and one in icici prudential blue chip fund, apart from these I have invested approx 5lacs in various equities as well which involve infosys, tata steel, tata motors, anand rathi wealth management, vodafone Idea, exide ind, jsw energy, rail tel, lic, sbi cards, bob, etc. along with all these investments I send approx 20k to my parents every month I want to know how and where should I invest further to achieve my goals of buying a house, my child's future and my retirement.
Ans: You have a stable income and no loans. This is a strong starting point.

Your goals include:

Buying a house in NCR by 35-36.
Investing for your child's future.
Retiring with Rs 5-7 crore by 55-56.
You have diversified investments in SIPs, ULIPs, equities, and term insurance.

Assessing Existing Investments
ULIP Policy
Annual Premium: Rs 60,000.
ULIPs: Often have high charges and lower returns compared to mutual funds.
Term Insurance
Annual Premium: Rs 85,000.
Coverage: Rs 2 crore till 85 years.
SIPs
Amount: Rs 3,500 each in two mutual funds.
Focus: One large-cap and one diversified fund.
Direct Equity
Total Investment: Approx Rs 5 lakh.
Stock Selection: Various sectors including tech, energy, and finance.
Family Support
Monthly Support: Rs 20,000 to parents.
Recommendations for Investment Strategy
Goal 1: Buying a House by 35-36
Time Frame: 6-7 years.
Suggested Investment: Increase SIP in equity mutual funds.
Action: Consider mid-cap and large-cap funds. These funds can offer higher returns over the medium term.
Savings Target: Save aggressively for down payment. Aim for at least 20% of the house value.
Goal 2: Child's Future Education and Marriage
Time Frame: 15-20 years.
Suggested Investment: Diversify into child-specific mutual funds and PPF.
Action: Increase SIP amounts gradually. Consider investing in balanced advantage funds for stability and growth.
Regular Contributions: Open a PPF account for long-term, risk-free returns.
Goal 3: Retirement Corpus of Rs 5-7 Crore
Time Frame: 26-27 years.
Suggested Investment: Focus on equity mutual funds for growth.
Action: Increase SIPs in diversified equity funds. Consider small-cap funds for higher returns.
Review Regularly: Assess and adjust your portfolio annually.
Consolidate Direct Equity Holdings
Current Holdings: Diverse but scattered.
Action: Sell underperforming stocks. Consolidate into strong, well-performing equities or mutual funds.
Focus: Shift towards equity mutual funds for professional management and diversification.
Optimizing Your Insurance and ULIP
Term Insurance
Keep It: Essential for financial security.
Review Coverage: Ensure it aligns with future needs.
ULIP Policy
Evaluate: High charges may lower net returns.
Action: Consider surrendering and redirecting premiums into mutual funds.
Investment Strategy for the Future
Increase Monthly SIPs
Current SIPs: Rs 7,000.
Suggested Increase: Gradually raise to Rs 20,000 over the next 2 years.
Diversify into Balanced Funds
Balanced Advantage Funds: Offer stability and growth.
Action: Allocate a portion of SIPs to balanced funds.
Emergency Fund
Current Situation: Ensure you have 6-12 months of expenses saved.
Action: Keep this in liquid funds or a high-interest savings account.
Family Support
Monthly Support: Rs 20,000.
Action: Ensure it fits within your budget. Adjust other investments if needed.
Final Insights
You have a solid foundation with diverse investments. Focus on increasing your SIPs, consolidating direct equities, and aligning investments with your goals. Review your portfolio regularly to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Money
I am 49 years old working in private sector. Currently, drawing Rs. 1.50 lakhs per month, my investment details. - Lumpsum investment – canara robeco midcap regular – Rs.2 lakhs, union multicap fund –Rs.1 lakh, mahindra Manulife small cap rs.2 lakh; canara robeco multi cap Rs.2.20 lakhs; mahindra Manulife business cycle fund – Rs. 50,000; white oak capital large & mid cap fund – Rs. 100,000; ICICI prudential energy opportunities fund – rs. 100,000 - SIP – HDFC Defence fund – Rs. 10,000; mahindra manulife manufacturing fund – Rs.10000; white oak special opportunities fund 10,000 - FD with HDFC bank – rs. 12,00,000 - LIC – Rs. 10 lakhs My future expenditure, daughters marriage in 3 to 4 years and to purchase house in chennai and to save money for retirement. Please give me advice on how to invest so that I can meet my future demands and have a self-sufficient retirement.
Ans: Assessment of Current Investments
Mutual Funds

Your portfolio has a good mix of midcap, multicap, small-cap, and sectoral funds.
Diversification across different fund categories is appreciable.
However, the allocation to thematic and sectoral funds like defence, manufacturing, and energy is high.
Sectoral funds can be volatile and risky, especially for near-term goals.
Fixed Deposit (FD)

Rs. 12 lakh in FD provides stability and liquidity.
FDs are suitable for short-term needs but offer limited growth potential.
LIC Policy

The LIC policy provides Rs. 10 lakh, likely covering insurance and investment.
Such policies usually yield lower returns than mutual funds.
Future Financial Goals
Daughter’s Marriage (3–4 years)

Allocate funds with a low-risk profile for this goal.
Avoid high exposure to equity for this purpose.
House Purchase in Chennai

Save in instruments that offer both safety and moderate returns.
Flexibility and liquidity are important for this goal.
Retirement Corpus

Focus on long-term equity investments for growth.
Diversify to balance returns and risk.
Proposed Investment Strategy
Short-Term Goals (Daughter’s Marriage and House Purchase)
Utilise Fixed Deposits Wisely

Allocate a portion of your FD for your daughter’s marriage.
Retain some FD for emergency purposes only.
Invest in Debt Mutual Funds

Choose high-quality short-duration or dynamic bond funds.
Debt funds can provide better post-tax returns than FDs.
Keep the money safe and accessible for short-term use.
Avoid Sectoral and Thematic Funds

Shift sectoral fund investments to safer debt-oriented funds.
Sectoral funds are not suitable for short-term goals.
Medium- to Long-Term Goal (Retirement Planning)
Increase SIP in Diversified Equity Funds

Diversify into flexicap, multicap, or large-cap funds.
These funds balance risk and growth for long-term wealth creation.
Reduce Thematic Fund Allocation

Limit exposure to thematic funds to less than 10% of the portfolio.
Reallocate to well-diversified equity funds.
Invest in Hybrid Funds

Include balanced advantage or hybrid equity funds.
These funds reduce volatility while offering equity-like returns.
Consider Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)

Invest in ELSS for tax-saving benefits under Section 80C.
ELSS funds also offer long-term growth.
General Recommendations
Review Insurance Policy

Assess if the LIC policy offers adequate life coverage.
If it is a traditional endowment or ULIP, consider surrendering.
Reallocate proceeds to mutual funds for better returns.
Maintain Emergency Fund

Keep 6–12 months’ expenses in a savings account or liquid funds.
This ensures you have liquidity for unforeseen expenses.
Monitor and Rebalance Portfolio

Review your portfolio quarterly or semi-annually.
Rebalance to maintain alignment with your goals.
Focus on Tax Efficiency

Use tax-efficient instruments like ELSS, debt funds, and retirement-focused funds.
Plan withdrawals strategically to reduce tax impact on capital gains.
Retirement Planning Recommendations
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

In the future, use SWP from mutual funds for retirement income.
It provides tax efficiency compared to traditional annuities.
Healthcare Planning

Ensure your health insurance coverage is adequate for post-retirement needs.
Increase coverage if necessary to avoid financial strain later.
Invest in Equity for Growth

Continue investing in equities for long-term wealth appreciation.
Equity helps combat inflation effectively over the years.
Final Insights
Your investment portfolio is commendable and diversified. However, some adjustments can improve alignment with your goals. Reduce sectoral exposure and shift towards safer instruments for short-term needs. For retirement, continue SIPs in diversified equity and hybrid funds. Regular monitoring and rebalancing will keep your financial plan on track. With these changes, you can achieve your goals while ensuring a comfortable and self-sufficient retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10853 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 19, 2025

I am 60+ , qualified CMA and working in Gulf, have an investment in FD of 30 L. Invested in Mutual . fund (ICICI prudential pru Elite life super 28.0 L for the period 2017-24)& ICICI pru life time classic . (5.0L for the period 2017-22. Both maturing in Sep 27. Annuity return of 40,831 under ICICI Pension scheme, started receiving since 2025 Plan to invest around another 25.0L from my after benefits .Have a medical insurance policy for myself and wife. Daughter is in 2nd year CS at BMS college. her fees is separately invested in FD for the remaining 3 years and the interest earned takes care of her monthly expenses.Mostly in the 1st quarter of 2027 will be closing on my service tenure. Have 2 house property, 1 inherited, pls suggest any further investments I need to do to cater to my monthly expense (40-50k) I have
Ans: With a corpus comprising fixed deposits of ?30 L, mutual fund investments of ?33 L maturing in 2027, an ongoing annuity yielding ?40,831 annually since 2025, medical cover for both spouses, and earmarked FDs for your daughter’s fees, you have a diversified base. To generate a sustainable monthly income of ?40–50 K, maintain liquidity and inflation protection, consider allocating the planned additional ?25 L into a laddered portfolio of debt and hybrid instruments. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers assured interest and quarterly payouts with sovereign safety, while Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) provides steady monthly credits. Balancing these with a Systematic Withdrawal Plan from a Conservative Hybrid Fund yielding 7–8 percent can help offset inflation. Keep at least 6 months’ expenses in liquid funds for emergencies. Your annuity and rental income from two properties further support cash flow; ensure maintenance costs are factored in. Continue reinvesting annuity receipts into short-duration debt funds to enhance yield. Regular reviews every six months will help rebalance your portfolio in line with interest rate movements and liquidity needs, ensuring you meet monthly obligations without depleting capital prematurely.

Recommendation:
Invest the additional ?25 L in a mix of SCSS and POMIS for guaranteed quarterly payouts, complemented by conservative hybrid funds via SIPs for moderate growth and inflation protection.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 47 years old. I have started investing in mutual fund (SIP) only since last one year due to some financial obligations. Currently I am investing Rs.33K per month in various SIPS. The details are: Kotak Mahindra Market Growth (Rs. 1500), Aditya BSL Low Duration Growth (Rs. 1400), HDFC Mid-cap Growth (Rs. 12000), Nippon India Large Cap Growth (Rs. 3000), Bandhan small cap (Rs. 5000), Motilal Oswal Flexicap Growth (Rs. 5000), ICICI Pru Flexicap growth (Rs. 5000). I have also started to invest Rs. 1,50,000 per year in PPF since last year. Can I sustain if I retire by the age of 62?
Ans: I can help you with your retirement planning.
You have given a very detailed picture of your investments.
You have also shown strong intent to build wealth at 47.
This itself is a big positive start.

Your Current Efforts

– You started late due to obligations.
– That is understandable.
– You still took charge.
– You now invest Rs.33K every month.
– You also invest Rs.1,50,000 a year in PPF.
– You follow discipline.
– You follow consistency.
– These habits matter the most.
– These habits will help your retirement.
– You deserve appreciation for this foundation.

» Your Current Investment Mix

– You invest in various equity funds.
– You also invest in one low duration debt fund.
– You invest across mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and small cap.
– This gives you some spread.
– You also invest in PPF.
– PPF gives safety.
– PPF gives steady growth.
– This mix creates balance.

– Please note one point.
– You hold direct plans.
– Direct plans look cheaper outside.
– But they are not always helpful for long-term investors.
– Many investors pick wrong funds.
– Many investors track markets wrongly.
– Many investors redeem at wrong times.
– This affects returns more than the saved expense ratio.
– Regular plans through a MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– Regular plans also help you stay on track.
– Behaviour gap is a major cost in direct funds.
– Thus regular plans with CFP support work better for long-term investors.
– They can correct mistakes.
– They can help with asset mix.
– They can help you stay steady during market drops.
– This gives higher final wealth than direct funds in most cases.

» Your Retirement Age Goal

– You plan to retire at 62.
– You are 47 now.
– You have 15 years left.
– Fifteen years is still a strong time line.
– You can allow compounding to work well.
– Your corpus can grow meaningfully by 62.
– You can also improve your savings rate during this time.

» Assessing If Your Current Plan Supports Retirement

– There are many parts to assess.
– You need to look at your saving rate.
– You need to look at your growth rate.
– You need to look at your future lifestyle cost.
– You need to look at inflation.
– You need to look at post-retirement income need.
– You need to see if your present plan matches this.

– Right now, your total yearly investment is:
– Rs.33K per month in SIP.
– That is Rs.3,96,000 per year.
– Plus Rs.1,50,000 in PPF each year.
– So your total yearly investment is Rs.5,46,000.
– This is a good number.
– This can help your retirement journey.

» Understanding Equity Funds in Your Mix

– You invest in mid cap.
– Mid cap can give good growth.
– Mid cap also carries higher swings.
– You invest in small cap.
– Small cap is the most volatile.
– It can give high returns if held for long.
– But it needs patience.
– You invest in large cap exposure.
– Large cap gives stability.
– You invest in flexi cap.
– Flexi cap funds adjust strategy.
– Flexi cap funds give managers more control.
– Active management is useful in Indian markets.
– Fund managers can shift between market caps.
– They can pick good sectors.
– This improves return potential.
– This is a benefit that index funds do not have.
– Index funds just copy the index.
– Index funds do not avoid weak companies.
– Index funds cannot take smart calls.
– Index funds also rise in cost whenever the index churns.
– Active funds can protect downside.
– Active funds can find better opportunities.
– This is helpful for long-term wealth building.
– So your move towards active funds is fine.

» Understanding PPF in Your Mix

– Your PPF adds stability.
– It gives assured growth.
– It also gives tax benefits.
– It builds a stable part of your retirement base.
– It reduces overall risk in your portfolio.
– It works well over long years.
– You have also chosen a steady long-term asset.
– This is beneficial for retirement.

» Gaps That Need Attention

– Your funds are scattered.
– You hold too many schemes.
– Each additional scheme overlaps with others.
– This reduces impact.
– It also becomes hard to track.
– You can reduce your scheme count.
– A more focused mix can give smoother progress.
– Rebalancing becomes easier.
– You can keep fewer funds but maintain asset spread.
– You can also map each fund to a purpose.

– You also need clarity about your retirement income need.
– Many investors skip this.
– You must know how much money you need per month at 62.
– You must add inflation.
– You must add health needs.
– You must also add lifestyle goals.

» Your Future Lifestyle Cost

– Your cost will rise with inflation.
– Inflation affects food, transport, medical needs.
– Medical inflation is higher than normal inflation.
– Retirement planning must consider this.
– You also need to consider family responsibilities.
– You must consider emergencies.
– You must also consider rising cost of daily life.
– This helps estimate the required retirement corpus.

» Your Future Corpus From Current Savings

– Without giving strict numbers, you can expect growth.
– You invest steadily.
– You invest for 15 years.
– Your equity portion can grow better over long time.
– Your PPF gives predictable growth.
– Your mix can create a decent retirement base.
– But you will need to increase your SIP over time.
– You can raise your SIP by 5% to 10% each year.
– Even small increases help.
– This builds a stronger corpus.
– Your final retirement amount becomes much higher.

» Need for Periodic Review

– Markets change.
– Life situations change.
– Your goals may shift.
– Your income may rise.
– Your responsibilities may change.
– Review every year.
– Adjust as needed.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help.
– This gives clarity.
– This gives structure.
– This gives confidence.
– You can reduce mistakes.
– You can follow proper asset allocation.

» Asset Allocation Approach for Smooth Growth

– You must decide your ideal equity percentage.
– You must decide your ideal debt percentage.
– If you take too much equity, risk increases.
– If you take too little equity, growth reduces.
– You must keep balance.
– It must match your risk comfort.
– It must support your retirement goal.
– Right allocation brings discipline.
– Rebalancing once a year helps.
– Rebalancing controls emotion.
– Rebalancing increases long-term returns.
– Rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy.

» Importance of Staying Invested During Market Swings

– Markets move up and down.
– Swings are normal.
– Equity grows over long time.
– Equity needs patience.
– People often fear drops.
– They exit at wrong time.
– This hurts long-term wealth.
– You must stay steady.
– You must trust your long-term plan.
– You must follow guidance.
– This improves retirement success.

» Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Many investors pick funds based on recent returns.
– This is risky.
– Fund selection needs deeper view.
– Fund must match your risk.
– Fund must match your time horizon.
– Fund must have consistent process.
– Fund must show reliable pattern.
– Avoid sudden changes.
– Avoid chasing trends.
– Stay with a disciplined plan.
– This ensures better results.

– You must avoid mixing too many categories.
– Focused mix works better.
– Smaller set makes control easy.
– This reduces confusion.

– Do not rely on direct funds for long-term goals.
– Direct funds lack guided support.
– Behavioral mistakes cost more than the lower expense ratio.
– Regular plans help you stay invested.
– They help avoid panic.
– They help during reviews.
– They help create proper asset allocation.
– They help you use the fund in the right way.
– Investment discipline is more important than low cost.
– Regular plans with CFP support deliver this discipline.

» Inflation Protection Through Growth Assets

– Equity protects from inflation.
– PPF adds safety.
– Balanced mix protects your purchasing power.
– Retirement needs this balance.
– Long-term equity portion helps create a healthy corpus.
– This allows you to meet rising living cost.

» How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan From Now

– Increase SIP every year.
– Even slight hikes help.
– Be consistent.
– Avoid stopping during market drops.
– Do a yearly check-up.
– Reduce scheme count.
– Keep a clear structure.
– Assign each fund a purpose.
– Build an emergency fund.
– This will protect your SIP flow.
– Continue PPF.
– It gives stability.
– It protects your long-term needs.

» Possibility of Sustaining Life After Retirement

– Yes, you can sustain.
– But it depends on three things:
– Your future living cost.
– Your total corpus at retirement.
– Your discipline during retirement.

– If you continue your present saving, your base will grow.
– If you raise your SIP each year, your base will grow faster.
– If you keep a proper asset mix, your base will grow safely.
– If you avoid emotional mistakes, your base will stay strong.
– If you review yearly, your plan will stay on track.

– So sustaining life after retirement is possible.
– You just need stronger structure.
– You also need steady guidance.
– This ensures confidence.

» Retirement Income Planning After Age 62

– Your retirement income must come from a mix.
– Part from equity.
– Part from debt.
– Part from stable instruments.
– Do not depend on one source.
– Plan your withdrawal pattern.
– Take small and stable withdrawals.
– Keep some equity even after retirement.
– This helps your corpus last longer.
– Do not shift everything to debt at retirement.
– That reduces growth too much.
– Balanced approach keeps your money alive.
– This supports your life for long years.

» Health and Emergency Preparedness

– Health costs rise fast.
– You must plan for it.
– Keep health insurance active.
– Keep top-up if needed.
– Keep separate emergency money.
– Do not depend on your investments during emergencies.
– Emergency fund protects your retirement portfolio.
– This keeps compounding intact.
– You can handle shocks with ease.

» Tax Awareness

– Be aware of mutual fund tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed as per your slab.
– Plan redemptions wisely.
– Do not redeem often.
– Keep long-term horizon.
– This reduces tax impact.
– This helps wealth building.

» Summary of Your Retirement Possibility

– You have a good start.
– You have a workable time frame.
– You have a steady contribution.
– You must refine your portfolio.
– You must increase SIP yearly.
– You must reduce scheme count.
– You must follow asset allocation.
– You must stay disciplined.
– You must get yearly review from a CFP.
– If you follow these, you can reach a healthy retirement base.

» Final Insights

– You are on the right path.
– You have taken the key step by starting.
– You can still create a strong retirement corpus even at 47.
– Fifteen years is enough if you stay consistent.
– Your mix of equity and PPF is good.
– With discipline and structure, your future can stay secure.
– With yearly guidance, you can avoid mistakes.
– With increased SIP, you can boost your corpus.
– You can aim for a peaceful and confident retirement at 62.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Money
I am 43 yrs old, have sip in Nifty 50 - 3500 Nifty next 50 - 3000 Nippon large cap - 3500 Hdfc midcap - 2500 Parag Flexicap - 3000 Tata small cap - 1300 Gold sip - 500 Hdfc debt fund - 700, lumsum of 10000 in motilal midcap and 20k in quant small cap. accumulated around 2.30 lakhs, started from June, 2024. But overall xirr is very less 3.11. Should I continue the above sips or which sips should be stopped?
Ans: You have started early in 2024, and you already built Rs 2.30 lakhs. This shows discipline. This shows patience. This gives you a good base for your future wealth.

Your XIRR looks low now. This is normal. You started only a few months back. SIPs show low return in the start. Markets move up and down. Early numbers look flat. They look small. They look discouraging. But they improve with time. They improve with longer SIP flow. So please stay calm. The start is always slow. The finish is always strong.

Your effort is strong. Your SIP list is wide. Your savings habit is good. You started at 43 years, but you still have good time to grow your wealth. Every disciplined month builds confidence. Your choices show that you want growth. You want stability. You want balance. This is a good sign.

» Current Portfolio Snapshot
You invest in many groups.

– You invest in Nifty 50.
– You invest in Nifty Next 50.
– You invest in a large cap fund.
– You invest in a midcap fund.
– You invest in a flexicap fund.
– You invest in a small cap fund.
– You invest in gold.
– You invest in a debt fund.
– You put lumpsum in a midcap and small cap fund.

This looks wide. But wide does not mean effective. You hold too many funds in similar areas. That gives duplication. That reduces clarity. That reduces control. You need sharper structure. You need cleaner lines.

» Why Your XIRR Is Low
Your XIRR is only 3.11%. This is normal. Here is why.

– SIP started in June 2024. Very new.
– SIP amount spread across many funds.
– Market volatility in 2024 made early returns look low.
– SIP returns always look weak in early days. They grow with time.

Low short-term return is not a sign of failure. It is not a sign to stop. It is only a sign of market timing. SIP is for long periods. Not for few months.

» Problem of Index Funds in Your Portfolio
You invest in Nifty 50 and Nifty Next 50. Both are index funds. Index funds follow a fixed rule. They copy the index. They do not use research. They do not use fund manager skill. They do not adjust during bad markets. They do not protect much in down cycles. They lock you into index ups and downs.

In India, active fund managers add value. They find better stocks. They exit weak stocks faster. They manage risk better. They use research teams. They use market cycles well. They often beat index returns over long periods.

Index funds look simple. But they lack decision power. They lack flexibility. They lack protection. They give average results. They track the market exactly. They cannot outperform it.

So index funds are not the best choice for your long-term goal. Active funds give more control and more upside over long years.

» Problem of Too Many Funds
You hold too many funds across the same categories. This creates overlap. Two different schemes may hold same stocks. You think you diversify. But you repeat exposure. This weakens your plan.

Too many funds also keep your attention scattered. It reduces discipline. You waste time comparing each fund. You feel lost. You feel uncertain.

Better to keep fewer funds but stronger funds.

» Problem of Direct Funds
If any of your funds are in direct plans, please take note. Direct plans look cheaper because they have lower expense ratio. But they do not give guidance. They do not give personalised strategy. They do not give support during market falls. They do not give behavioural guidance.

Many investors make wrong moves in market dips. They stop SIPs. They redeem at the wrong time. They switch funds too often. They chase returns. This reduces wealth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner keep you disciplined. They give structure. They give long-term guidance. They reduce errors. They reduce behaviour risk. This helps more than small cost savings.

Regular plans also offer better hand-holding for asset mix, review and goal clarity. This adds real value.

» Fund-by-Fund Assessment
Let me now look at each SIP.

Nifty 50 – This is an index fund. It is passive. It is rigid. Active large-cap funds do better in many years. You may stop this over time.

Nifty Next 50 – Another index fund. Very volatile. Very narrow. You may stop this too.

Nippon large cap – This is active. This is fine. It can stay.

HDFC midcap – This is active. Good long-term category. You can keep this.

Parag flexicap – Flexicap is versatile. Useful for long-term. You can keep this.

Tata small cap – Small caps can grow well. But they need patience. They also need limited allocation. You can keep, but maintain control.

Gold SIP – Small gold SIP is okay for safety.

HDFC debt fund – Debt brings stability. Small SIP is fine.

Lumpsum in midcap and small cap – Keep these invested. They will grow with cycles.

The two index funds are the most unnecessary parts of your plan. These can be stopped. These can be replaced with good active funds already in your system.

» Suggested Structure
You need a cleaner layout.

Keep one large cap active fund.

Keep one midcap active fund.

Keep one flexicap fund.

Keep one small cap fund.

Keep one debt fund.

Keep a small gold part.

This is enough. This gives balance. It gives clarity. It gives growth. It avoids overlap. It avoids confusion.

» SIP Continuation Guidance
Here is the simple view.

Continue your large cap SIP.

Continue your midcap SIP.

Continue your flexicap SIP.

Continue your small cap SIP.

Continue gold SIP.

Continue debt SIP in small proportion.

Stop the Nifty 50 SIP.

Stop the Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Move those two SIP amounts into your existing active funds. This gives you better long-term power.

» Behaviour and Patience
Your returns will not show big numbers for now. You need time. You need patience. You need consistency. SIP is not a race. SIP is a habit. SIP grows slowly. Then it grows big.

Do not judge your plan by the first few months. Judge it after many years. That is where SIP wins. That is where compounding works. That is where discipline shines.

» What Matters More Than Fund Names
The biggest cornerstones are:

Your discipline.

Your patience.

Your time in market.

Your stable SIP flow.

Your emotional stability.

These matter more than any fund selection. You are building them well.

» Asset Mix Guidance
Your mix of equity, debt and gold is good. But you should review this once a year. As you move closer to retirement, increase debt slowly. Reduce small cap slowly. This protects you. This stabilises your progress.

A Certified Financial Planner can help align your asset mix to your goals. This adds real value. This gives stronger structure.

» Taxation View
If you redeem equity funds in future, then keep the current rule in mind. Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakhs per year are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. For debt funds, both gains are taxed as per your income slab.

This will matter only when you redeem. For now, your focus should be growth, not selling.

» Your Long-Term Wealth Path
You have good earnings years ahead. You have strong potential for growth. Your SIP habit is strong. You only need to clean your portfolio. You only need better structure. Then your money will grow well.

You can grow a meaningful corpus if you stay steady. You can even increase SIP when income grows. This gives faster results.

» Emotional Balance
Do not check returns every week. Do not check every month. Check once in six months. Check once in twelve months. SIP is a long game. Treat it like a long game.

Your small XIRR today does not decide your future. Your discipline decides it. You already have it.

» Step-by-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Stop Nifty 50 SIP.

Step 2: Stop Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Step 3: Keep all the remaining SIPs.

Step 4: Shift the stopped SIP amount into your existing large cap and flexicap funds.

Step 5: Continue gold and debt in small amounts.

Step 6: Review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Step 7: Increase SIP amount slowly when income grows.

Step 8: Stay invested for long term.

Step 9: Do not judge returns too early.

Step 10: Keep your patience strong.

» Finally
Your foundation is strong. Your habit is disciplined. Your mix only needs refinement. Your returns will grow with time. Your portfolio will gain strength with consistency. Your path is steady. Your plan will reward you if you follow it with calm and clarity.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |180 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi. I have been in a long distance relationship since 6 months,and i have known my boyfriend since 10 months. He is very understanding, caring,and honest person. He had already told everything about us for his parents and their parents agreed. We both are financially independent. I told my relationship to my parents and they are against it as my boyfriend is from lower caste, different region, not done his degree from a reputed college but a local engineering college, and his status. They are thinking about relatives, and society what will they say, about their pride, status, and all the respect they have earned uptill now will vanish because of my decision. My parents are very protective of me and have given me everything and like me a lot.They are saying its long distance you might have met only 15 times you don't see this person daily to judge his character. If you have known this person for atleast 2/3 years, with u meeting him daily it would be different. But the person i met is honest from the start. They are hurting daily because of my decision. I cant go against them and be happy.
Ans: 1. It is wonderful you have met someone special and in last 10 months you have met him 15 times which averages to meeting him 1.5 times a month. Is it possible to increase this and meet over every second weekend. Can you both travel once.

2. Parents are parents they worry and all parents are protective of their children as are yours. But if they are declining you because of caste etc then please question them asking them to give you an assurance that if they marry you to someone of their choice things will work - In reality there can be no assurance given for any relationship - found by you or introduced by parents as relationships need work by both...both need to grow up, both of you need to be happy individuals for relationship to work + if colleges were the deciding factor then we would not see divorces of those who married in the same caste or are from Stanford, MIT, IIT, IIMs, Inseads of the world.

Here is a suggestion/ recommendation
- meet his family
- get him to meet your parents
- let both set of parents meet

all the best

...Read more

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