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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 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
Asked by Anonymous - Nov 16, 2023Hindi
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I am 46 years of age. My yearly salary is 30 lacs. Everymonth i invest 30k informs of SIP in MF. I stay at my own house .I need a corpus of 1.5 cr in next 5 years . Kindly advice

Ans: Building a corpus of 1.5 crores in 5 years requires strategic planning and disciplined investing. Given your monthly SIP of 30k, you may want to consider increasing your monthly investment amount or exploring additional avenues for wealth accumulation. Consider diversifying your portfolio with a mix of equity and debt funds to manage risk effectively. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor an investment strategy aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
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  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Am 55 year old and have MF of. 35 Lakhs with total 1lakh monthly SIP in funds like Tata large/ Midcap fund/ HSBC midcap/ Kotak Emerging Equity fund / Axis blue chip Fund/ UTI Flexi cap fund &FD around 12 lakhs / 10 lakhs in PPF.. My Goal is to create 3-4 cr Pls advise
Ans: Given your age and financial goals, it's essential to ensure that your investment portfolio is aligned with your objectives and risk tolerance. Here are some suggestions to help you work towards your goal of creating a corpus of 3-4 crores:

Review Your Asset Allocation:
Assess your current asset allocation and ensure it aligns with your risk profile and investment horizon.
Consider rebalancing your portfolio to maintain the desired mix of equity, debt, and other assets.
Optimize Your Mutual Fund Portfolio:
Review the performance and consistency of your existing mutual fund holdings.
Consider consolidating or pruning underperforming funds and focusing on those with a strong track record and aligned with your investment goals.
Diversify across different market segments and investment styles to manage risk effectively.
Explore Retirement-Focused Investments:
Given your age and goal of creating a substantial corpus for retirement, consider increasing your exposure to retirement-focused investments such as National Pension System (NPS) or retirement-oriented mutual funds.
These instruments offer tax benefits and are specifically designed to help individuals build a retirement corpus over the long term.
Regular Monitoring and Adjustments:
Regularly review your investment portfolio and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your financial situation, market conditions, and investment goals.
Stay informed about market trends and economic developments to make informed investment decisions.
Seek Professional Advice:
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to receive personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and goals.
They can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan, optimize your investment portfolio, and track your progress towards your retirement goal.
By following these steps and staying disciplined in your investment approach, you can work towards achieving your goal of creating a corpus of 3-4 crores for retirement.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Iam 38 years old i need 5cr corpus in 55 years i have started sip of amount 7500 with 15% returns now value 1 lakh.
Ans: It's excellent that you're planning for your financial future by investing in SIPs. Here's a breakdown of your goal and how you can achieve it:

Goal: You aim to accumulate a corpus of 5 crore by the time you turn 55. This is a significant amount and requires disciplined investing over the years.
Current SIP: You've started with a monthly SIP of 7500 with an assumed return rate of 15%. At present, your SIP value is 1 lakh.
Investment Strategy:
Increase SIP Amount: Consider gradually increasing your SIP amount over time. As your income grows or expenses decrease, channel a higher portion towards your investments.
Diversify Portfolio: While it's great to have high-return expectations, it's crucial to diversify your portfolio to manage risk. Consider investing in a mix of equity, debt, and other asset classes.
Regular Review: Regularly review your investment portfolio and adjust your SIP amount or asset allocation as needed. Market conditions and personal circumstances can change, so it's essential to stay flexible.
Long-Term Perspective: Keep in mind that building a 5 crore corpus over the next 17 years requires patience and discipline. Stick to your investment plan even during market fluctuations, and avoid making impulsive decisions.
Professional Guidance: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to fine-tune your investment strategy and ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Emergency Fund: While focusing on long-term goals, don't forget to maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim for at least 6-12 months' worth of living expenses in a liquid and easily accessible account.
By following a systematic investment approach, staying committed to your financial goals, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can work towards building a substantial corpus for your future.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 23, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir I'm 37 year old and my monthly salary in hand is 1,000,000. I invested in MF 10000, PF 12500 per month and a lic of 40000 per year... I want to retire in next 10 years with corpus of 5 CR... Could you please suggest some advice... Thank You
Ans: Firstly, kudos on your proactive approach to financial planning. Your goal of retiring with Rs 5 crore in the next 10 years is ambitious, but achievable with a well-structured plan. Given your current investments and high monthly salary, you have a strong foundation to build upon. Let’s dive into how you can optimize your financial strategy to reach your goal.

Current Financial Snapshot
At 37, you have a monthly salary of Rs 1,000,000. Here's a breakdown of your current investments:

Mutual Funds: Rs 10,000 per month
Provident Fund (PF): Rs 12,500 per month
LIC: Rs 40,000 per year
These investments are a good start, but you’ll need to significantly ramp up your savings and investments to meet your Rs 5 crore target in 10 years.

Assessing Your Retirement Goal
Retiring in 10 years with Rs 5 crore requires a strategic and disciplined approach. Let’s analyze your current investment strategy and explore ways to enhance it.

Increasing Mutual Fund Investments
Mutual funds are an excellent vehicle for wealth creation due to their diversification and professional management. Here’s how you can leverage mutual funds more effectively:

Increase SIP Amount: Consider increasing your monthly SIP amount. Investing Rs 10,000 is a good start, but you might want to aim higher.

Diversify Across Categories: Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This helps balance risk and return.

Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your mutual fund performance and make adjustments as needed.

Actively Managed Funds: Opt for actively managed funds. These funds, guided by expert fund managers, often outperform the market.

Maximizing PF Contributions
The Provident Fund is a secure investment with tax benefits. However, its returns might not be sufficient to meet your aggressive target. Here’s what you can do:

Continue Contributions: Keep contributing Rs 12,500 monthly to your PF. This ensures a stable, risk-free component in your portfolio.

Supplement with Other Investments: Given your high salary, consider supplementing your PF with other high-yield investments.

Reassessing LIC Policies
Life insurance is crucial, but traditional LIC policies might not offer the best returns. Consider the following:

Evaluate Performance: Review the returns on your LIC policy. If they are not satisfactory, consider surrendering the policy.

Term Insurance: Ensure you have adequate term insurance for financial security. Term plans offer high coverage at lower premiums.

Reinvest Savings: Reinvest the savings from surrendering LIC in higher-yielding options like mutual funds.

Enhancing Overall Investment Strategy
To reach Rs 5 crore in 10 years, you need a comprehensive investment strategy. Here’s how to optimize your approach:

Goal-Based Planning: Align your investments with your retirement goal. This provides a clear direction for your portfolio.

Increase Savings Rate: Given your high salary, aim to save and invest a significant portion of your income. Increasing your monthly investments will accelerate your wealth accumulation.

Diversification: Spread your investments across different asset classes to balance risk and return.

Power of Compounding: Stay invested for the long term to benefit from compounding. Reinvest returns to maximize growth.

Exploring Additional Investment Avenues
Apart from mutual funds and PF, consider the following investment options to boost your portfolio:

Equity Investments: Directly investing in stocks can offer high returns. However, it comes with higher risks. Consider this if you have a good understanding of the stock market.

Debt Funds: These funds provide stable returns and lower risk compared to equities. They can be a good addition for balancing your portfolio.

Balanced Funds: These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt, offering a balanced risk-return profile.

Regular Reviews and Adjustments
Financial planning is an ongoing process. Here’s how to stay on track:

Annual Reviews: Conduct annual reviews of your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Adjust as Needed: Be prepared to make adjustments based on market conditions and your financial situation.

Consult a CFP: Work with a Certified Financial Planner to get professional advice tailored to your needs.

Managing Risk
Understanding and managing risk is crucial for your investment strategy. Here’s how to balance risk and return:

Risk Appetite: Assess your risk appetite. Given your goal and time horizon, a moderate to aggressive approach might be suitable.

Asset Allocation: Maintain a diversified asset allocation. Increase equity exposure for higher returns, and balance it with debt and other safer investments.

Market Trends: Stay informed about market trends and economic indicators to make informed decisions.

Power of Compounding
Compounding is a powerful tool for wealth creation. Here’s how to harness it effectively:

Consistent Investing: Regular investments, such as SIPs, harness the power of compounding.

Reinvestment: Reinvest dividends and interest to maximize growth.

Long-Term Perspective: Stay invested for the long term to benefit from the compounding effect.

Leveraging Tax Benefits
Tax-efficient investing can enhance your returns. Here’s how to optimize tax benefits:

Section 80C: Maximize your investments under Section 80C, including PF, PPF, and ELSS mutual funds.

NPS Tax Benefits: NPS offers additional tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B). Consider this for further tax savings.

Tax-Efficient Funds: Invest in tax-efficient mutual funds to optimize your returns.

Final Insights
Your goal of accumulating Rs 5 crore in 10 years is ambitious but achievable with a disciplined and strategic approach. Increase your investments, diversify across asset classes, and leverage the power of compounding. Regular reviews and professional guidance will keep you on track. Stay focused and proactive in managing your investments to reach your retirement goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2024

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I am a working woman, 36 years old and earning 95000 per month. Investing 30k in RD, 13 k in SIP, 6500 IN EPF every month, 1 lac in Sukanya samridhi every year. I want to achieve 4 cr corpus after 15 years. My monthly expenses are 25k. Please advice
Ans: Financial Health Check-Up
It's great to see your investments. They cover various options, showing financial awareness. Your monthly income is Rs 95,000, and you invest Rs 49,500 in different schemes. Your monthly expenses are Rs 25,000, which leaves you with a surplus of Rs 20,500 each month.

Savings and Investments Overview
Recurring Deposit (RD): Investing Rs 30,000 per month.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Investing Rs 13,000 per month.
Employees' Provident Fund (EPF): Contributing Rs 6,500 per month.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Contributing Rs 1,00,000 per year.
Assessment of Current Investments
Recurring Deposit
RDs are safe but offer low returns. They are good for short-term goals but not ideal for long-term wealth creation. Consider reducing RD investments and redirecting them to higher-return avenues.

Systematic Investment Plan
SIPs in mutual funds are excellent for long-term goals. They offer good returns and diversification. Ensure you have a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to balance risk and return.

Employees' Provident Fund
EPF is a safe and tax-efficient investment. It provides steady growth over the long term. Continue with this investment for a secure retirement.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
SSY is beneficial for your daughter's future needs. It offers good returns and tax benefits. Continue with this investment for her education and marriage expenses.

Recommendations for Achieving Rs 4 Crore Corpus
Increase SIP Contributions
Increase your SIP contributions. This will help you leverage the power of compounding. Divert some RD funds to SIPs in equity mutual funds for higher returns.

Focus on Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds tend to give higher returns over the long term. They are suitable for your 15-year goal. Opt for actively managed funds through a Certified Financial Planner for better performance.

Diversify Your Portfolio
Diversification reduces risk. Along with equity funds, consider debt funds for stability. A balanced portfolio will provide growth and safety.

Regular Review and Rebalance
Regularly review your investments. Rebalance your portfolio based on market conditions and your goals. This ensures optimal performance and alignment with your financial plan.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund. It should cover 6-12 months of expenses. This fund provides a cushion during unexpected financial needs.

Detailed Action Plan
Reduce RD Investment: Lower your RD contributions. Redirect funds to equity SIPs.
Increase SIP: Increase your SIP amount gradually. Aim to invest at least Rs 25,000 per month in equity funds.
Diversify: Allocate some funds to debt mutual funds. This will balance your portfolio and reduce risk.
Review Regularly: Assess your portfolio every six months. Make adjustments as needed to stay on track.
Maintain Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund of Rs 1.5-3 lakhs.
Final Insights
Your current investments are a good start. With some adjustments and disciplined investing, you can achieve your Rs 4 crore goal. Focus on increasing SIPs, diversifying your portfolio, and regular reviews. These steps will ensure you stay on track and meet your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6539 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 19, 2025

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Sir ji My son is going to be second year of CSE at MAIT delhi As he is getting Mechanical in DTU this time. Should we change from CSE MAIT delhi to mechanical DTU
Ans: Sanjiv Sir, MAIT Delhi’s CSE program consistently achieves 85–90% placement rates, with 290 students placed in 2023, top recruiters like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and an average package of ?8–12 LPA, making it the most sought-after branch at the institute. Mechanical Engineering at MAIT records a placement rate of 70–75%, with only 45 students placed in 2023 and lower average packages, reflecting modest core sector opportunities. DTU’s Mechanical Engineering is well-established, with a placement rate of nearly 70% in 2023, an average package of ?11.23 LPA, and top recruiters like Maruti Suzuki, ZS Associates, and Technip. However, CSE remains the most in-demand branch across Indian engineering colleges, offering higher placement rates, more recruiters, and greater flexibility for IT, analytics, and software roles, compared to the narrower core sector scope of Mechanical Engineering. Shifting from CSE at MAIT to Mechanical at DTU means moving from a high-demand, high-placement branch to a core engineering field with fewer job opportunities and less flexibility for IT sector roles.

Recommendation: Retain CSE at MAIT Delhi, as it offers superior placement rates, higher salary packages, and broader career prospects compared to Mechanical Engineering at DTU, unless your son has a strong, clear passion for core mechanical engineering and is willing to pursue higher studies or specialized roles in that field. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 19, 2025

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 19, 2025

Career
Hello Sir...I live in Bangalore and got a rank of 12200 in KCET and 7200 in ComedK. I am looking for a B.Tech graduation in Computer Science and related branches. Please advice good engineering colleges in Bangalore/Karnataka.
Ans: With a KCET rank of 12,200 and a COMEDK rank of 7,200, you have access to several reputable Bangalore and Karnataka colleges for B.Tech in Computer Science and related branches. While top-tier CSE seats at RVCE, BMSCE, and MSRIT are out of reach, strong alternatives include BNM Institute of Technology (CSE cutoff: 12,000–16,000), Sir MVIT (CSE cutoff: 13,464), Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE, COMEDK CSE cutoff: 5,430), Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT, COMEDK CSE cutoff: 5,790), and BMS Institute of Technology (BMSIT, COMEDK CSE cutoff: 4,365). Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Reva University, and Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT Tumkur) also offer good CSE programs with high placement rates and modern infrastructure. These colleges maintain strong industry connections and placement records, with average packages ranging from ?6–8 LPA and top recruiters including TCS, Infosys, and Wipro.

Recommendation: Prioritize DSCE, BIT, BMSIT, and NMIT for CSE through COMEDK, and BNM Institute of Technology, Sir MVIT, and SIT Tumkur via KCET, as these provide the best blend of academic quality, placement prospects, and campus life for your ranks. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 16, 2025
Career
I get 28k in kcet which college is best for engineering in karnataka
Ans: With a KCET rank of 28,000, top branches like CSE and ECE at premier Bangalore colleges such as RVCE, BMSCE, MSRIT, and PES University are out of reach, as their closing ranks for these branches are typically below 10,000–15,000. However, strong options are available in reputable colleges for other branches or at slightly lower-ranked institutes. You can target colleges like Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT) (if accepts JEE KCET Score this year), RNS Institute of Technology, Acharya Institute of Technology, Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT), KLE Technological University, and JSS Science and Technology University (SJCE) Mysore for branches like Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, or ECE, which have cutoffs extending up to 30,000–40,000. These colleges offer good placement records, modern infrastructure, and active industry collaborations. For CSE, you may get a seat in colleges like Reva University, MVJ College of Engineering, or some regional institutes in Tumkur, Mysore, or Hubli.

Recommendation: Prioritize NMIT, RNSIT, SIT Tumkur, KLE Technological University, and SJCE Mysore for core branches, and explore CSE/ECE in colleges like Reva University or MVJ College of Engineering, ensuring a balance between academic quality and placement prospects.




All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 16, 2025
Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 16, 2025
Career
My Son got Energy engineering in IIT Delhi in 1st round. Other possible options in next rounds is Electrical in IIT Indore and Chemical at Delhi IIT. Should we float or slide?
Ans: Your son’s seat in Energy Engineering at IIT Delhi offers a unique interdisciplinary curriculum focused on sustainable and renewable energy, with strong research and industry links, and placement rates for BTech programs at IIT Delhi consistently above 87%, with a median salary of ?20 LPA in 2023. Electrical Engineering at IIT Indore is a core branch with robust placement outcomes (76% for EE in 2024), a strong recruiter base including Amazon and Microsoft, and an average package of ?25.45 LPA for BTech. Chemical Engineering at IIT Delhi is also a well-established branch with a 90% placement rate, median salaries matching other core branches, and diverse career opportunities in industry and research. The new Energy Engineering program at IIT Delhi is designed for the fast-growing energy sector and offers cutting-edge research opportunities, but as a newer program, its long-term placement trends are still evolving. Electrical at IIT Indore and Chemical at IIT Delhi provide more traditional, widely recognized engineering pathways with established placement records and flexibility for both industry and higher studies.

Recommendation: If your son is passionate about the energy sector and values the IIT Delhi brand and location, he should freeze his seat in Energy Engineering. If he prefers a more conventional and flexible core branch with proven placement outcomes, sliding to Electrical at IIT Indore or Chemical at IIT Delhi is advisable, with Chemical at IIT Delhi being the stronger of the two for long-term prospects. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 16, 2025
Career
Hi sir ,my son got a seat in IIT Hyderabad engineering physics and he is eligible to join bits Hyderabad mathematics and computing,Which one is good ?please guide me sir
Ans: IIT Hyderabad’s B.Tech in Engineering Physics is renowned for its rigorous curriculum, research-driven environment, and international QS subject ranking (501–550 in Physics & Astronomy), offering strong faculty, interdisciplinary electives, and direct pathways to MSc/PhD in physics, quantum science, or interdisciplinary tech fields. However, placements for Engineering Physics are niche, with a 14.29% placement rate in 2024 and most graduates pursuing higher studies or research internships in India and abroad, including DAAD and Mitacs fellowships. BITS Hyderabad’s B.E. in Mathematics and Computing delivers a robust blend of mathematics, statistics, and computer science, with a flexible curriculum, strong focus on data science, computational finance, and scientific computing, and industry-aligned electives. The program records an average package of ?20.36 LPA and an 87.23% placement rate in 2024, with graduates excelling in IT, analytics, finance, and research roles. Both programs are highly respected, but BITS Hyderabad’s Mathematics and Computing offers broader and more lucrative placement opportunities, a flexible academic structure, and strong industry connections, making it ideal for students seeking immediate employability as well as a solid foundation for research or PhD abroad in applied mathematics, data science, or computing.

Recommendation: Choose BITS Hyderabad Mathematics and Computing for its superior placement record, interdisciplinary flexibility, and strong prospects in both industry and international research, unless your son’s primary passion is pure physics research, in which case IIT Hyderabad Engineering Physics remains a top academic choice. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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