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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 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
vipin Question by vipin on May 14, 2024Hindi
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I need to get 5 crore in 15 years for my children higher study.. Marriage and my early retire... How much should I invest in mutual fund to achieve the target.... My current income is 2 lakh per month and monthly expenses of 1.7 lakh per month

Ans: Firstly, let me commend you on your foresight in planning for your children's higher education, marriage, and your early retirement. It's crucial to start early and set clear financial goals to ensure a secure future for yourself and your loved ones.

Understanding Your Financial Goal

Your goal of accumulating ?5 crore in 15 years for various life events requires careful financial planning and disciplined savings. It's essential to assess your current financial situation and determine the required investment amount to achieve this target.

Analyzing Income and Expenses

Your monthly income of ?2 lakh and expenses of ?1.7 lakh indicate a healthy surplus that can be utilized for investments. It's commendable that you have a comfortable margin between your income and expenses, which provides room for savings and investments.

Estimating Required Investment Amount

To estimate the required investment amount to accumulate ?5 crore in 15 years, we need to consider factors such as:

Time Horizon: With a 15-year investment horizon, you have a reasonable timeframe to achieve your goal, allowing you to benefit from the power of compounding.

Rate of Return: The expected rate of return on your investments plays a crucial role in determining the required investment amount. While past performance is not indicative of future results, historical data can provide insights into potential returns.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Investing through SIPs allows you to regularly invest fixed amounts over time, leveraging the benefits of rupee cost averaging and compounding.

Calculating Required Monthly Investment

Based on the estimated rate of return and investment horizon, we can calculate the required monthly investment amount to achieve your target corpus of ?5 crore in 15 years. By factoring in the power of compounding, we can determine the optimal investment strategy to reach your financial goal.

Assuming a conservative rate of return on your investments, we can use financial planning tools to calculate the monthly SIP amount needed to accumulate ?5 crore in 15 years. By inputting variables such as the expected rate of return, investment duration, and target corpus, we can arrive at the required monthly investment amount.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed mutual funds offer several advantages over passive index funds or ETFs:

Professional Management: Skilled fund managers actively monitor market trends and adjust portfolio allocations to capitalize on growth opportunities, potentially leading to higher returns.

Customized Strategies: Actively managed funds employ dynamic investment strategies tailored to market conditions and investment objectives, providing investors with a personalized approach to wealth accumulation.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds require investors to research and select funds independently, which can be time-consuming and challenging for those with limited financial knowledge. Additionally, the absence of professional advice may result in suboptimal investment decisions and higher risks.

Benefits of Regular Funds Investing through MFD with CFP Credential

Investing in regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentialled Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) offers several benefits:

Professional Guidance: A CFP-certified MFD provides personalized investment advice tailored to your financial goals and risk profile, helping you make informed decisions.

Access to a Wide Range of Funds: MFDs offer access to a diverse range of mutual funds, including both actively managed and index funds, enabling you to build a well-rounded investment portfolio.

Final Words

Achieving a target corpus of ?5 crore in 15 years requires a disciplined savings approach and strategic investment planning. By investing regularly in mutual funds through SIPs and leveraging the benefits of compounding, you can work towards realizing your financial aspirations.

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  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 25, 2024Hindi
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I am earning 1 lakh per month, I pay 30000rs per month for home loans how much money should I invest in mutual funds so that I can get a corpus of around 5cr in 25-30 years
Ans: You want to build a corpus of Rs 5 crore over the next 25-30 years. With your current monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh and a home loan EMI of Rs 30,000, you still have the potential to invest a significant amount towards this goal.

Let’s break this down step by step and explore how much you should invest in mutual funds to reach your target.

Monthly Investment Calculation
Given your 25-30 years timeline, investing in equity mutual funds is a strong option. Historically, equity mutual funds have given returns of around 12-14% over the long term. However, to be more conservative, let's assume an average annual return of 12%.

You would need to invest approximately Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 per month consistently to achieve your Rs 5 crore goal in 25-30 years, considering an average return of 12%.

At 12% return, you’ll need to invest around Rs 15,000 monthly for 30 years.

For a 25-year timeline, your monthly investment would be around Rs 18,000.

This would help you achieve the Rs 5 crore corpus comfortably with regular SIPs in equity mutual funds.

Diversifying Your Investments
Instead of putting all your money in one mutual fund scheme, it’s best to diversify across various categories:

Large Cap Funds: These are stable and provide steady returns.

Mid Cap and Small Cap Funds: These come with higher risk but offer potentially higher returns over a long-term horizon.

Flexi Cap or Multi-Cap Funds: These funds invest across all market segments and offer flexibility.

By spreading your investments across these categories, you reduce risk while maximizing potential returns.

SIP Step-Up Strategy
Since you step up your SIP investments by Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 each year, you are following a good practice. Continue this step-up method to further accelerate your corpus. Increasing your investment as your income rises will help you reach your Rs 5 crore goal more comfortably.

Step-up ensures that you stay ahead of inflation and reach your target faster.

A 10% yearly increase in SIP amounts will significantly boost your wealth creation over the years.

Taxation on Mutual Funds
Keep in mind the tax implications:

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

It’s essential to plan your withdrawals to minimize tax outgo.

Avoid Index Funds and Direct Funds
Avoid index funds, as actively managed funds typically offer higher returns. You should also avoid direct funds because they require active tracking and management, which can be time-consuming. Instead, invest in regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner. This allows a professional to manage your portfolio efficiently while you focus on your goals.

Final Insights
You are in a good position to achieve your Rs 5 crore goal by age 60 with disciplined investments. Start with Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 monthly and continue stepping up annually. Diversify your portfolio and stay committed to your long-term plan.

If you maintain consistency and discipline, your investment journey will be smooth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 28, 2024

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Hello Sir, From last 1 year I have been investing 20K every month and from last 3 months I increased to 60K/month. I want to achieve 1 Crore goal in 5 years. Please advise how much should I invest every month and which MF should I select? Thank you.
Ans: Reaching Rs. 1 crore in 5 years is ambitious yet achievable. Your disciplined investment approach of Rs. 20,000 monthly for a year and increasing to Rs. 60,000 monthly is commendable. Let’s assess how much you need to invest and the ideal mutual fund categories to consider for your goal.

Factors Impacting Your Goal Achievement
1. Time Horizon of 5 Years
Five years is a short time for aggressive equity investments.
Your portfolio should balance growth with safety to reduce risk.
2. Expected Returns
Historical data suggests equity mutual funds may offer 10-12% returns annually.
Debt mutual funds typically provide 6-8% annual returns.
A blended portfolio with equity dominance can maximise growth.
3. Inflation Impact
Rs. 1 crore today will have lesser purchasing power in five years.
Your investment plan should account for inflation-adjusted growth.
Estimating Monthly Investments
Current SIP of Rs. 60,000
With consistent contributions and moderate returns, you can approach your goal.
Additional monthly investments may be required for a higher margin of safety.
Recommended Monthly Investment
Based on target returns, increase SIP by 10-15% annually.
You may need Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 80,000 monthly to confidently reach Rs. 1 crore.
Suggested Mutual Fund Allocation
A balanced and diversified portfolio is crucial for your goal.

1. Large-Cap Equity Mutual Funds
Suitable for stable growth with lower volatility.
Invest around 30-35% of your portfolio here.
2. Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Mutual Funds
Offer higher growth potential but come with increased risks.
Allocate 40-45% of your portfolio in this segment.
3. Hybrid Mutual Funds
Combine equity and debt for a balanced risk-return approach.
Invest 10-15% in hybrid funds for stability.
4. Debt Mutual Funds
Suitable for preserving capital and reducing volatility.
Allocate 10% to safeguard your portfolio against market fluctuations.
Avoid Index Funds for Your Goal
Disadvantages of Index Funds
They mirror the market and lack active management to mitigate risks.
Returns depend entirely on market performance, which may not suit short-term goals.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Skilled fund managers adjust portfolios based on market conditions.
They aim for higher returns by selecting the best-performing stocks.
Regular vs Direct Mutual Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Plans
Lack of guidance can lead to poor fund selection and portfolio mismanagement.
Navigating market volatility requires expertise, which direct plans don’t provide.
Benefits of Investing Through Certified Financial Planners
Certified planners offer personalised advice based on your goals and risk profile.
They monitor and rebalance portfolios to optimise returns.
Tax Implications of Mutual Fund Investments
Equity Mutual Funds
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
Debt Mutual Funds
Gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Plan withdrawals carefully to minimise tax liability.
Investment Strategy and Best Practices
1. Increase SIP Contributions Annually
A 10-15% increase in SIP ensures inflation-adjusted growth.
2. Diversify Across Fund Categories
Spread investments across equity, hybrid, and debt funds for balance.
3. Review Portfolio Regularly
Monitor fund performance and make necessary adjustments annually.
4. Reallocate Funds Closer to Goal
Shift investments to debt funds 12-18 months before withdrawal.
This reduces exposure to market risks near your goal’s end.
Final Insights
Your disciplined investment habit is an excellent foundation. Increase your SIP amount moderately and diversify wisely to reach your Rs. 1 crore target in five years. Actively managed funds, guided by a certified financial planner, will ensure an optimal risk-return balance. Regular reviews and adjustments will keep you on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1601 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on May 06, 2025

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Dear Sir, as my son Inter bord got 91% but in Jee mains 1st attempt got 50% and 2nd attempt got 70%, but he was not eligible for Advance, and he was wrote other college exams as (IIIT Hyd + VIT+TSEAPCET) in that VIT got results as 1.20 Lakh rank and he was eligible for Round of Category of 5th for VIT-AP & VIT-Bhopal, and expecting results for IIIT Hyd and also waiting for other Exams as (COMEDK + MIT + BITS), he was sincerely trying the efforts private college entrance exams, but the results which is not satisfy for him, and getting disappoint, but I was giving the motivation for other exams and do the hard work and focus on, BITS & IIT-Hyd also very tuff and more competitive, as i need to think for the negative side, if he could not get any cut of marks, what is the next option....? I request you pls give any other alternate suggestions for which is alternate engineering university for the course of (CSE AI & ML), my son interested in CSE course only
Ans: Hello Rakesh
First and foremost, I would like to commend your son for his earnest efforts in preparing for a range of engineering entrance examinations. His dedication is commendable, even if the outcomes so far haven't aligned with expectations. As you’ve mentioned, he has not yet been able to meet the required cutoff, which understandably may lead to feelings of disappointment or frustration.
However, the journey isn't over. Significant opportunities still lie ahead with BITSAT and IIIT-Hyderabad, both of which are known to be less about difficulty and more about testing strategic thinking and conceptual clarity. It appears that your son may be facing challenges in effectively managing the vast syllabus or might not yet have identified the right approach to tackle these competitive exams. Understanding how to study smartly for such tests often makes all the difference.
It’s important to maintain a positive outlook and avoid negative assumptions at this stage. You haven’t mentioned your financial circumstances, but if your son is determined to pursue fields like Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Machine Learning, and if merit-based options don’t materialize, admission through the management quota could be a viable alternative. This route is typically available in reputed private engineering colleges, though it comes with a higher financial commitment.
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Dr Nagarajan J S K

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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 06, 2025
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can i get admission in NFSU through jee mains score only ? because i gone on NFSU admission portal link for B.Tech-M.Tech Integrated program in Computer Science and Engineering (Cyber Security) but they asking about NFAT exam
Ans: Hi,
I apologize for any confusion, but I want to clarify that when the government asked for our support of the ONE NATION ONE CARD system, we did not accept it. Similarly, everyone is required to open a savings account at a bank, and many of us expressed our discontent. However, we can see the positive changes happening in India. If we support the government, they will reciprocate by providing benefits to the citizens.

In terms of education, the government is attempting to implement a new education policy, which has proven to be quite difficult. The education system has changed significantly before and after the pandemic. Now, the government is working on new policies that align with those of developed countries.

Therefore, we cannot expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from the government at this time, as it is not included in the current guidelines. Each council or organization has its own set of guidelines, and synchronizing them will take time. At this moment, it is simply not feasible.

The NFAT exam is different from the JEE. In the case of the JEE, they did not notify the aspirants that they are eligible to apply for NFSU, and similarly, NFSU did not mention that JEE rank holders could also apply. Therefore, if you want admission to NFSU, you need to register and appear for the NFTA.

In the near future, we can expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from this BJP government for the benefit of younger generations. For the benefit of postgraduate aspirants (for all courses except a few professional ones), the NTA is organizing the PGCUET exam nationwide. In this exam, you can opt for up to four different courses based on your eligibility.

A similar exam pattern is needed for engineering and medical fields as well. As I mentioned, we can expect this change; however, we, as citizens, should offer moral support for the benefit of younger generations. Unfortunately, we often do not provide this support to the government. For example, in the NEET exam, many aspirants do not follow the guidelines even when appearing for the exams.
BEST WISHES

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

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Hello sir I have taken a 1 year drop for neet 2025 from pw online . But now I am scoring only 300 in neet .Now i am very confused what to do should I take one more drop or chose any option. This time i want to join offline coaching and really want to work hard but afraid that the coaching centre after knowing my marks will give me their worst batch so what should i do ?
Ans: Hi Ritika,
You mentioned that you scored only 300 in NEET. While we can't make any judgments until the official results are published, I must say that a score of 300 is quite low.

If you're planning to reappear for NEET, that's a good decision! However, I understand you might be worried about the coaching classes placing you in a less suitable batch. I recommend attending for 2 or 3 days while attending the coaching just follow the below instructions.

Make a list of the subjects and chapters you find challenging. Discuss these areas with your coaching faculty and aim to ask at least 15-20 questions daily to clarify your doubts and enhance your understanding. Additionally, request tips and tricks for each chapter so that you can put in a lot of effort to reach your goal.

Alternatively, you can prepare 10 questions on your own and seek answers from your coaching faculty. If you maintain this practice throughout the course, you'll build your confidence, and the coaching staff may consider changing your group due to your proactive approach in asking questions.

Through NEET, you can also pursue other medical-related courses such as BAMS, BSMS, BHMS, BYMS, BNYS, and BDS.

If you don’t have confidence in yourself, you might consider dropping NEET and exploring other courses. However, I encourage you to take one chance and follow my suggestions.

Additionally, if you are not already practicing yoga and meditation, I recommend starting. These activities can help you concentrate better and reduce distractions while studying.

Best of luck!
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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Hlo I have taken a 1 year drop in 2024 for neet but i am scoring only 300 . Now I am so confused what to do I really want to crack neet and this time i want to join offline coaching but afraid that i can do it or not Please tell me what to do
Ans: Hi Ritika,
Good decision! Offline coaching is far better than online coaching because it allows you to focus on your studies more effectively.

You mentioned that you need to crack the exam, so here are some tips on how to do that:

First, identify which subjects and chapters you find challenging and make a list. Discuss these areas with your coaching faculty. Aim to ask at least 10 questions daily to clarify your doubts and enhance your understanding.

Alternatively, you can prepare 10 questions on your own and seek answers from your coaching faculty. If you maintain this practice throughout the course, you will build your confidence.

Additionally, if you are not practicing yoga and meditation, I recommend starting. These activities can help you concentrate better and reduce distractions while studying.

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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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