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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  |458 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 12, 2023

Colonel Sanjeev Govila (retd) is the founder of Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning company dedicated to the armed forces personnel and their families.
He has over 12 years of experience in financial planning and is a SEBI certified registered investment advisor; he is also accredited with AMFI and IRDA.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Oct 10, 2023Hindi
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I am 50 years old I want to invest in mf . Pl suggest me for suitable fund for me

Ans: Selecting a mutual fund for your investment should depend on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Since you're 50 years old, it's crucial to consider factors like how soon you need the money and how comfortable you are with risk. Here are some suggestions for mutual funds to consider, but please consult with a financial advisor for personalized advice:

Diversified Equity Funds: If you have a longer investment horizon (5+ years) and can tolerate moderate risk, consider diversified equity funds. These funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. Examples include SBI Bluechip Fund, Kotak Flexi Cap Fund, TATA Large & Mid Cap

Balanced Funds: These funds invest in a mix of stocks and bonds, which can provide more stability. They are suitable if you have a moderate risk tolerance and a medium-term investment horizon. HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund and ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund are some options.

Debt Funds and Fixed Rate Instruments: If you're risk-averse and need a regular income stream, debt mutual funds could be appropriate. Also, you can consider other fixed rate instruments like Corporate FDs, Private Bonds, P2P Investments, G-Sec Bonds etc as lucrative interest rate scenario is prevailing in the economy currently and it is good time to lock the money in high yielding debt products.

Index Funds: If you prefer a passive approach to investing, index funds could be a good fit. They aim to replicate the performance of a specific index like the Nifty 50 or Sensex. UTI Nifty Index Fund and HDFC Index Fund - Nifty 50 Plan are some examples.

Diversify your investments across a range of asset classes and different investment avenues as stated above to avoid concertation risk and putting all your eggs in one basket.
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  |8092 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 22, 2024

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Hi sir right now 22 I want to invest in MF around 2500 per month for next 28 years suggest some best MF
Ans: Investing in mutual funds is a smart decision. It's a great way to build wealth over time. Starting at 22 gives you a long investment horizon, which is advantageous.

Benefits of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Spreading risk across various assets.
Professional Management: Managed by experienced fund managers.
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell.
Convenience: Suitable for different financial goals.
Evaluating Investment Options
Avoid index funds. They often track market indices passively. This means lower returns compared to actively managed funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Lower Flexibility: Limited to the index performance.
No Active Management: No adjustments based on market conditions.
Potential for Mediocre Returns: Follows the average market performance.
Instead, consider actively managed funds. They aim to outperform the market. Professional fund managers adjust the portfolio based on market trends.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Higher Return Potential: Aims to beat the market.
Professional Management: Fund managers actively monitor and adjust the portfolio.
Flexibility: Can adapt to market changes.
Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) has distinct advantages over direct funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of Professional Guidance: No expert advice.
Time-Consuming: Requires constant monitoring.
Higher Risk: Without professional insights, the risk increases.
Benefits of Regular Funds with CFP:

Professional Advice: Access to expert insights.
Better Decision Making: Informed investment choices.
Regular Monitoring: Constant portfolio reviews and adjustments.
Risk Management: Strategies to mitigate potential risks.
Recommended Strategy
Diversified Portfolio: Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Invest Rs 2500 monthly via SIP.
Long-term Horizon: Continue investing for the next 28 years for optimal returns.
Steps to Start
Choose a Reliable Fund House: Ensure credibility and good track record.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Get personalized advice.

Start SIP: Automate your monthly investments.

Review Regularly: Monitor and adjust based on performance.

Final Insights
Starting early with mutual funds is commendable. By avoiding index funds and opting for actively managed funds, you can aim for better returns. Investing through a CFP provides professional guidance, ensuring informed decisions and effective risk management. Keep investing consistently, review periodically, and stay focused on your long-term goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8092 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 08, 2025Hindi
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I will be retiring from my present pvt company job in April' 25. I have corpus about 40 L. Please advise, where to invest securely to get better monthly income from May' 2025 alongwith growth of capital amount to combat the market inflation in every year. My monthly requirement of fund is about 30 K.
Ans: You will retire in April 2025 with a corpus of Rs 40 lakh. Your goal is to get a steady monthly income of Rs 30,000 while ensuring your capital grows.

A secure investment strategy is essential. It should balance income, safety, and growth.

 

Key Challenges in Your Retirement Plan
Generating a stable monthly income without depleting capital.

Beating inflation so that income remains sufficient.

Minimising risk while getting reasonable returns.

Ensuring liquidity for unexpected expenses.

 

Dividing Your Corpus for Stability and Growth
Your corpus should be divided into different categories. Each category serves a purpose.

 

1. Emergency Fund – Rs 5 Lakh
Keep Rs 3 lakh in a high-interest savings account.

Keep Rs 2 lakh in a liquid fund for better returns.

This fund helps handle unexpected expenses without touching investments.

 

2. Monthly Income Fund – Rs 25 Lakh
Invest in a mix of debt mutual funds and conservative hybrid funds.

These funds offer better returns than bank FDs.

Withdraw Rs 30,000 per month using a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).

This ensures stable income while keeping the capital growing.

 

3. Growth-Oriented Fund – Rs 10 Lakh
Invest in a balanced mix of equity mutual funds.

This helps to beat inflation and grow wealth over time.

Do not withdraw from this fund for at least 7-10 years.

This will help in long-term capital appreciation.

 

Why Not Rely Entirely on Fixed Deposits?
Bank FDs give lower returns than inflation.

Tax on FD interest reduces post-tax returns.

Debt mutual funds offer better tax efficiency and higher returns.

 

Why Avoid Index Funds?
Index funds only follow the market and cannot adjust to downturns.

Actively managed funds are handled by professional fund managers.

These funds can reduce losses in a falling market.

They offer better long-term returns than index funds.

 

Why Not Invest in Direct Mutual Funds?
Direct funds require constant tracking and decision-making.

Investing through an MFD with CFP credentials ensures better fund selection.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps in portfolio rebalancing.

This reduces investment mistakes and improves long-term returns.

 

How to Manage Inflation Every Year?
Increase your withdrawal amount by 5-6% per year.

Keep a portion in equity funds for growth.

Do not withdraw from growth-oriented funds in the first 7-10 years.

This ensures your capital lasts longer and grows.

 

Rebalancing Your Portfolio Regularly
Check investments every year.

Move money from growth funds to income funds when needed.

Adjust withdrawal amounts based on expenses and market conditions.

 

Finally
Your plan should ensure financial security and peace of mind. A well-diversified portfolio will help you get a stable income while growing your wealth. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you optimise this strategy.

 

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8092 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am new to this mutual fund since last 6 month.i have been doing a sip of 18k per month.. parag parikh flexicap 5k uti nifty 50 5k motilal oswal midcap 2.2k nippon small cap 1.5k quant small cap 1.5k jm flexicap 1k icici prudential fund 2k is these good.i have a plan of 15 yr investment with 10 percent step up each year..kindly opine
Ans: You have started SIP investing six months ago. Your monthly SIP is Rs 18,000 across different mutual funds. You also plan to increase investments by 10% each year. A long-term plan of 15 years is a good approach.

 

Strengths of Your Portfolio
You have chosen a mix of flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

A 15-year investment horizon allows compounding benefits.

The 10% annual step-up increases the final corpus.

You are investing consistently, which is important for long-term success.

 

Areas That Need Attention
1. Too Many Funds in the Portfolio
You have seven different funds.

Some categories are overlapping, reducing diversification benefits.

A leaner portfolio can be easier to manage.

 

2. High Exposure to Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Funds
You have three funds in small-cap and mid-cap segments.

Small caps are high-risk, high-return investments.

Too much exposure can increase volatility.

 

3. Index Fund is Not the Best Choice
Index funds do not beat the market in all conditions.

Actively managed funds adjust to changing markets.

A professional fund manager can reduce downside risks.

 

Suggested Portfolio Improvements
1. Reduce the Number of Funds
Keep 3 to 4 well-managed funds instead of seven.

Choose one flexi-cap fund, one large-cap or multi-cap fund, and one mid/small-cap fund.

 

2. Balance Between Risk and Stability
Reduce exposure to too many small-cap funds.

Add a large-cap or multi-cap fund for stability.

 

3. Invest Through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Direct funds require constant tracking.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can guide investment decisions.

Investing through an MFD with CFP credentials ensures professional fund selection.

 

Reviewing Your Plan Regularly
Check your portfolio every year.

Rebalance if some funds underperform.

Maintain discipline and avoid emotional decisions.

 

Finally
Your investment strategy is good, but reducing the number of funds can improve returns. Focus on diversification, balancing risk, and expert guidance. A 15-year SIP with step-up can create wealth, but regular reviews are essential.

 

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8092 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello...I am planning to construct a home in next 5 years. My monthly salary is only 35000. I dont have any idea how to make my dream into a success. Please give me an idea how I can save my money to make a home with a budget of 30 lakhs.
Ans: Building a home is a big financial goal. You want to construct a house worth Rs 30 lakh in 5 years. Your monthly salary is Rs 35,000. With the right savings and investment plan, you can make this dream a reality.

 

Step 1: Understanding the Total Budget Requirement
The house construction cost is Rs 30 lakh.

You will need to save or arrange this amount in 5 years.

Costs may increase due to inflation.

Having a buffer amount is important for unexpected expenses.

 

Step 2: Evaluating Your Savings Capacity
Your monthly income is Rs 35,000. The goal is to save a portion consistently.

 

First, identify your essential monthly expenses.

Reduce unnecessary spending to increase savings.

The more you save, the less you need to borrow.

 

Step 3: Creating a Dedicated Home Fund
Open a separate investment account for home savings.

Invest in growth-oriented mutual funds.

Avoid keeping all money in fixed deposits due to lower returns.

 

Step 4: Choosing the Right Investment Strategy
A 5-year investment plan should have a balance of growth and safety.

 

1. Avoid Index Funds and ETFs
Index funds cannot adjust to market risks.

Actively managed funds perform better in volatile markets.

 

2. Avoid Direct Mutual Funds
Direct funds need market tracking and knowledge.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures proper management.

 

3. Maintain Liquidity for Construction Costs
Keep some funds in liquid investments for easy access.

Avoid locking money in long-term illiquid assets.

 

Step 5: Considering a Home Loan as an Option
If saving Rs 30 lakh is difficult, a home loan can help.

 

Banks may provide up to 80% of the home cost.

Your EMI should not exceed 40% of your income.

Higher down payment reduces loan burden.

A shorter loan tenure saves interest costs.

 

Step 6: Cutting Expenses to Boost Savings
Reduce unnecessary spending like eating out and entertainment.

Avoid impulse purchases.

Use discounts and cashback options to save more.

A simple lifestyle today helps in building your dream home sooner.

 

Step 7: Reviewing Your Plan Every Year
Track savings and investments regularly.

Adjust plans if income increases or expenses change.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for guidance.

 

Finally
A Rs 30 lakh home in 5 years is possible with proper planning. Focus on consistent savings, smart investments, and controlled spending. If needed, a home loan can bridge the gap. With discipline and patience, your dream home can become a reality.

 

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

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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