I am 50 working professional. Below is my MF portfolio . 1. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund 2.6 lakhs + 10K SIP 2. PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund 1.85 L Value + 5K SIP 3. Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund 80K 4. Axis Small Cap Fund 1.85 Lakhs Value + 5K SIP 5. Axis Gold Fund 75K Value + 5K SIP 6. Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund 70K 7. Quant Multi Asset Fund 50K 8. SBI Magnum Income Fund 50K 9. ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund 50K 10. Quant Active Fund 50K 11. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund 25K I want to build a retirement corpus of 2 crore in 10 years. I am planning to invest around 50K every month. Plus i have. surplus of 4Lakks which i want to invest in few of the MFs above. Planning to exit Canara Robeco bluechip and Axis Small cap soon. Please suggest if any changes you want me to do.

Ans: Too many funds; please continue with 1, 3, 4, 5 and 11.

Keep the lumpsums invested.

Ans: Hi Anuj, thanks for writing to me.

The schemes you invest in are good schemes and you can continue investing in them. Your annual step up will help you create a larger corpus.

Ans: Dear Santosh,

Thank you for sharing your mutual fund investments with me. It's great to see that you've been proactive in planning for your future. Based on the details provided, I understand that you have a moderately high risk appetite and are looking to build a maximum corpus over a 15-year investment horizon.

Your current portfolio has a good mix of large-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, and index funds, which is important for diversification. I do have a few suggestions to consider for optimizing your portfolio:

Axis Bluechip Fund and ICICI Prudential Focused Bluechip Fund: As both funds are focused on large-cap stocks, you might consider consolidating these investments into one fund. You can choose the one you feel has the better performance and management. This will help you streamline your portfolio and minimize overlap.
Kotak Small Cap Fund and Nippon India Small Cap Fund: Similarly, you have two small-cap funds, and you might want to consider consolidating these investments as well. This will reduce redundancy and allow you to focus on the best-performing small-cap fund.
UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund: Since you already have exposure to large-cap funds, you could consider increasing your investment in this index fund, as it's a low-cost option to gain access to the top 50 companies in India. This will help in maintaining diversification while keeping costs low.
Quant Active Fund: This fund has a unique investment approach and might add some unpredictability to your portfolio. You could consider reallocating the funds invested in this scheme to the other funds you hold, which have a more consistent track record.
After you make these adjustments, you could reallocate the funds saved from consolidation into the remaining funds based on your risk appetite and return expectations. For instance, you can increase your allocation to the flexi-cap and small-cap funds if you're comfortable with higher risk for potentially higher returns.

Lastly, it's crucial to periodically review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed. As your goals, risk appetite, and market conditions change, you may need to rebalance your investments to ensure they remain aligned with your objectives.

Please note that these suggestions are based on the limited information provided and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. I strongly recommend consulting a professional financial advisor before making any significant changes to your investment portfolio.

Best of luck with your investments!

Warm regards

Ans: As per the data provided by you, I feel that:-

1. You have over diversified your portfolio by investing in so many funds. There seems to be a lot of overlapping in your portfolio. Ultimately equity funds invest in stocks and if your funds are investing in similar stocks, you are not achieving any diversification which you may think you are doing.

2. You also hold multiple ELSS fund which are used for tax benefit purpose and come with lock in for 3 years. If you are solely investing under this for the tax saving then we suggest you to have only one good fund.

Regarding your funds:-

1. DSP Tax Saver Fund, Canara Robeco Tax Saver Fund and Quant Tax plan: These funds have a decent track record in their category. Having one tax saver fund is enough.

2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: The scheme is not bound by any market capitalisation. It also has the freedom to invest in stocks listed overseas. Therefore, I would suggest you to continue with this fund.

4. DSP Small Cap & Quant Small Cap : The lump sum investment in this fund indicates a concentrated bet on small-cap stocks. Small-cap funds can be volatile, but they also offer growth potential. Monitor its performance closely and be prepared for potential fluctuations in returns. We recommend you to hold one fund in this category to get the exposure of small cap which is risky in nature as compared to large & mid cap category.

5. DSP Quant Fund: Similar to DSP Small Cap, this fund focuses on quant-based strategies based on macro and micro factors. Evaluate its performance and consider your risk tolerance before making any decisions.

7. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF: The fund invests in international companies and sectors that helps in eliminating the concentration risk. Continue with this fund.

8. Motilal Oswal Midcap, UTI Mid Cap fund, DSP Mid Cap Fund and PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund: I recommend you to hold just one fund in this category to get the exposure of mid cap which is risky in nature as compared to large cap category.

9. SBI Bluechip Fund: This lump sum investment in a large-cap fund can provide stability to your portfolio. Continue with it and continue monitoring its performance relative to its benchmark.

10. UTI Flexi Cap Fund: Similar to DSP Mid, assess its performance and alignment with your investment goals, especially since you've stopped investing in it. I recommend you to redeem from this fund once the exit load period is over.

11. PPF: Contributing to PPF is a good long-term savings option due to its tax benefits and guaranteed returns. It's wise to continue investing in it unless you have specific financial goals or liquidity needs but if you have a goal of your retirement then we would suggest you to invest in NPS (National Pension Scheme) instead of this.

Regarding your plan to add SBI Contra and Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF FoF, it's important to evaluate these funds based on their historical performance, expense ratios, and risk factors. Make sure they align with your investment strategy and risk tolerance before adding them to your portfolio.

I do not recommend you to add more funds in your portfolio as you already have too many funds which you need to cut down on.

Disclaimer:
• I have just no idea about your age, future financial goals, your risk profile, other investments and whether you would have the nerves to not get unduly perturbed if stock markets go temporarily down.
• Hence, please note that I am answering your question in absolute isolation to other parameters which should definitely be considered when answering a question of this type.
• I recommend you to also consult a good financial advisor who would look at your complete profile in totality before you act on this advice given by me.

Ans: You've done a commendable job with your investments. Balancing between mutual funds, stocks, PF, NPS, and FDs is impressive. Your dedication to securing your daughter's marriage fund and planning for retirement shows foresight and responsibility. Let's analyze and optimize your portfolio for the best possible returns.

Current Mutual Fund Portfolio

Your current mutual fund investments are diversified across various categories. This includes small cap, mid cap, equity & debt, and balanced advantage funds. Each type serves a unique purpose, balancing risk and return.

Small Cap Funds

Small cap funds have high growth potential but come with significant risk. Your investments in Nippon Small Cap and Axis Small Cap Funds are great for high returns over the long term. Given your proximity to retirement, it might be wise to reduce exposure to mitigate risk.

Mid Cap Funds

Mid cap funds like HSBC Mid Cap offer a balance between risk and return. They can provide substantial growth but are less volatile than small cap funds. Keeping a portion in mid cap is sensible, but consider reducing the allocation as you near retirement.

Equity & Debt Funds

ICICI Equity & Debt Fund provides a balanced approach, combining equity growth and debt stability. This fund type aligns well with your nearing retirement, offering moderate risk and steady returns.

Balanced Advantage Funds

HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund adjusts its allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions. This adaptability is beneficial for reducing risk while aiming for reasonable growth, making it suitable for pre-retirement phase.

Evaluation of the Portfolio

Diversification and Risk Management

Your portfolio is well-diversified across different fund types. However, considering your retirement in 3 years, a higher allocation towards stable, low-risk investments would be prudent. Shifting from high-risk small and mid cap funds to more stable options can protect your corpus.

Performance and Returns

Active funds have the potential to outperform the market. Your selection of actively managed funds is excellent. Regular monitoring and occasional rebalancing can enhance performance. Consult your Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice.

Strategies for Future Investments
Risk Reduction

As retirement approaches, prioritize capital preservation. Gradually move funds from high-risk to low-risk investments. Consider increasing allocation in debt funds and balanced advantage funds. These provide stability and consistent returns.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

Implementing an SWP post-retirement ensures a steady income while keeping your investments growing. Plan withdrawals from your corpus strategically to balance between immediate needs and long-term growth.

Power of Compounding

Continue leveraging the power of compounding. Even conservative investments can grow significantly over time. Start transitioning funds early to maximize compound interest benefits while minimizing risks.

Managing Your Other Investments
Stocks

Your Rs 36 lakh in stocks should be evaluated for risk and return. Diversify across stable, high-dividend stocks to generate regular income. Consider reducing exposure to volatile stocks.

Provident Fund (PF)

Your PF of Rs 45 lakh is a substantial and safe retirement corpus. Continue contributions and leverage tax benefits. This fund provides a secure foundation for your retirement.

National Pension System (NPS)

With Rs 22 lakh in NPS, you have a tax-efficient retirement tool. Continue maximizing contributions. NPS offers a mix of equity and debt, providing growth with stability. Consider shifting allocation towards safer options as you near retirement.

Fixed Deposits (FD)

Your Rs 35 lakh in FDs ensures liquidity and safety. Continue using FDs for emergency funds and short-term needs. They offer guaranteed returns, aligning well with your low-risk strategy.

Planning for Your Daughter's Marriage
Marriage Fund Allocation

You need Rs 40 lakh for your daughter’s marriage. Keep this fund in low-risk, highly liquid investments. Short-term debt funds, FDs, or high-interest savings accounts are ideal. Avoid equity exposure for this goal due to market volatility.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

If you haven't already, consider SIPs for a targeted marriage fund. SIPs in debt funds or balanced funds can help accumulate the required amount steadily. Regular contributions will build a substantial corpus by the time needed.

Achieving Your Rs 5 Crore Retirement Goal
Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Shift focus from high-risk to low-risk investments. Increase allocation in debt funds, balanced advantage funds, and other stable options. This transition should start now to align with your retirement timeline.

Increasing Contributions

Maximize your contributions to PF and NPS. Both offer tax benefits and long-term growth. Utilize any available tax-saving schemes to boost your retirement corpus.

Professional Guidance

Regularly consult your CFP. Their expertise will help you navigate market changes, optimize your portfolio, and ensure you stay on track towards your Rs 5 crore goal.

Regular Review

Conduct annual reviews of your portfolio. Adjust based on performance, market conditions, and your changing needs. Stay informed about economic trends and investment opportunities.

Final Insights
You've built a robust and diversified portfolio. Transitioning from high-risk to low-risk investments as you near retirement is crucial. Protecting your capital while ensuring steady growth will help achieve your Rs 5 crore retirement fund.

Stay disciplined with your investment strategy. Regularly consult your CFP for personalized advice. With careful planning and smart adjustments, you can secure a comfortable and financially stable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in