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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8927 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 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 - Apr 03, 2024Hindi
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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: Given your goal of building a retirement corpus of 2 crores in 10 years and your current portfolio, here are some suggestions:

Increase SIP Contributions: Consider increasing your SIP amounts in high-performing funds like Parag Parikh Flexi Cap and PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund, which have shown good potential for long-term growth.

Review and Consolidate: Evaluate the performance of all your funds and consider consolidating your portfolio to fewer, well-performing funds to simplify management and potentially enhance returns.

Focus on Quality: Prioritize funds with strong track records, consistent performance, and experienced fund management teams. Consider adding large-cap and diversified equity funds for stability and balanced growth.

Asset Allocation: Ensure a balanced asset allocation across equity, debt, and gold funds based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Reallocate surplus funds strategically to maintain a diversified portfolio.

Regular Review: Monitor your portfolio regularly and make adjustments as needed based on changes in market conditions, fund performance, and your financial goals.

Consider consulting with a financial advisor for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances and goals.
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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My name is Santosh Roy 47years I'm investing in following MFs. 1. Axis Bluechip Fund -- Rs 1,000/month 2. ICICI prudential focused Bluechip fund-Rs.1000/month 3. Kotak Small Cap Fund -- Rs 2,000/month 4. Mirae Asset Largecap Fund -- Rs 1000/month 5.Nippon India Small Cap Fund -- Rs 2500/month 6.Kotak Flexi Cap Fund -- Rs 4000/month. 7. Quant active fund- Rs.2000/month 8. UTI Nifty 50 index fund- Rs.2000/month 9. Canara robeco flexi cap fund - Rs.2000/month My investment horizon is 15 years, moderately high risk appetite with focus on maximum corpus build. Kindly advise if my portfolio needs any change? Thanks.
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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8927 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 28, 2024Hindi
Money
Dear Sir, I am 55 years old working in private company. I am investing in following MF monthly, Nippon Small Cap - 10000, Axis Small cap - 10000, HSBC Mid Cap - 10000, ICICI Equity & Debt - 15000, Franklin India Prima fund - 15000, HDFC Balanaced Advantage - 20000. My current MF value is Rs. 1.34 Crores. Apart from this i have invested in Stocks - 36 Lac, PF - 45 Lac, NPS - 22 Lac, FD - 35 Lac. I have taken Health Insurance. I require around 40 Lac for my daughter marriage. 1. I want to know whether my MF portfolio is good to continue or any changes to be made for better return. 2. I will be retiring in 3 years. How i need manage my funds / invest further to achieve 5 Crores retirement fund.
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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8927 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 05, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 39 years old working woman currently with no loan liabilities and earning a monthly net salary of Rs: 1.5 lakh. I have invested as follows: NPS (6K monthly); PPF (4K monthly); LIC (6K monthly), Sukanya Samridhi (3K monthly) and mutual funds (17 K monthly via SIP initiated in 2023). My mutual fund (MF) investment horizon is for 20 years in the SIP mode with no top up plan, and the MF portfolio is as follows: Axis Gold Fund (1K); ABSL balanced Advantage fund (1K); Debt fund (ABSL Dynamic Bond Fund with monthly SIP of Rs: 1500); ELSS [Parag Parikh Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan and Kotak Tax Saver Fund -Direct Plan-Growth with monthly SIP of Rs: 1500 each]; Large Cap Fund [HDFC Index Fund Nifty 50 Plan- Direct Growth (2K); CANARA ROBECO Blue Chip Equity Fund-Direct Growth (1K); JM Financial Mutual Fund (2K); Axis Blue Chip Fund (3K)] ; Mid Cap Mutual Fund [Nippon India Growth Fund of 1500 K] and Small Cap Fund [Tata Small CAP Fund of 1K]. Please let me know if the MF portfolio needs to be diversified further and if I need to add or remove any MF.
Ans: You have a well-structured investment portfolio. You're contributing to various financial instruments like NPS, PPF, LIC, Sukanya Samriddhi, and mutual funds. Your commitment towards saving Rs 17,000 monthly via SIPs shows a long-term vision.

Let’s review your mutual fund portfolio to check if it’s aligned with your long-term goals.

Mutual Fund Portfolio Evaluation
Your mutual fund portfolio includes:

Gold Fund
Axis Gold Fund: Rs 1,000

Balanced Advantage Fund
ABSL Balanced Advantage Fund: Rs 1,000

Debt Fund
ABSL Dynamic Bond Fund: Rs 1,500

ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme)
Parag Parikh Tax Saver Fund: Rs 1,500
Kotak Tax Saver Fund: Rs 1,500

Large Cap Fund
HDFC Index Fund Nifty 50: Rs 2,000
Canara Robeco Blue Chip Equity Fund: Rs 1,000
JM Financial Mutual Fund: Rs 2,000
Axis Blue Chip Fund: Rs 3,000

Mid Cap Fund
Nippon India Growth Fund: Rs 1,500

Small Cap Fund
Tata Small Cap Fund: Rs 1,000

Analysis of Your Portfolio
Balanced Advantage and Debt Allocation

Your investment in ABSL Balanced Advantage Fund and ABSL Dynamic Bond Fund ensures some stability.
These are good options for reducing volatility but you may want to increase your allocation to debt as you age.
Equity Exposure

Your portfolio is largely tilted towards equity, which is good for long-term wealth accumulation.
You’ve diversified across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, providing a balanced risk-reward ratio.
ELSS Funds

Your investment in Parag Parikh and Kotak Tax Saver Funds helps you save taxes under Section 80C.
These funds also generate equity-linked growth for long-term wealth.
Gold Fund

The allocation of Rs 1,000 to Axis Gold Fund is fine but don’t over-allocate. Gold doesn’t offer high returns like equities but acts as a hedge.
Suggested Adjustments and Recommendations
1. Large Cap Fund Duplication
You have several large-cap funds in your portfolio (HDFC Index Fund, Canara Robeco Blue Chip, Axis Blue Chip, and JM Financial Mutual Fund). Large-cap funds tend to perform similarly.
Consider trimming the number of large-cap funds. You could consolidate by choosing one or two top-performing funds.
2. Debt Allocation
You have Rs 1,500 in ABSL Dynamic Bond Fund. To maintain a balanced portfolio, gradually increase your debt allocation over time. This will provide stability as you approach retirement.
Debt funds are less volatile and provide predictable returns.
3. SIP Top-Up Plan
Currently, you don’t plan to top-up your SIPs. However, a 5%-10% annual increment in your SIPs can significantly enhance your wealth accumulation.
A top-up plan helps you stay ahead of inflation and boosts compounding.
4. Tax Efficiency
You’re already investing in ELSS funds, which are tax-efficient.
However, ensure that your overall equity capital gains are monitored. Any long-term capital gains (LTCG) exceeding Rs 1.25 lakh in a financial year are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Be mindful of this while redeeming your funds in the future.
5. Gold Fund
Continue with a small allocation to gold. It provides diversification, but avoid increasing this allocation. Historically, gold offers moderate returns compared to equities.
Long-Term Retirement Planning
NPS Contribution
Your NPS investment of Rs 6,000 monthly is beneficial for retirement planning. NPS offers an additional Rs 50,000 tax benefit under Section 80CCD(1B).
Continue this, but consider increasing the contribution as you approach retirement for a steady post-retirement income.

Debt and Fixed-Income Investments
As you get closer to retirement, shift more towards debt instruments. Consider increasing PPF contributions or adding to other low-risk instruments. Your PPF, LIC, and Sukanya Samriddhi contributions ensure tax-free, risk-free returns.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-diversified across various asset classes, providing a good balance of risk and stability. However, simplifying your large-cap exposure, increasing debt allocation gradually, and considering a SIP top-up plan will enhance your long-term financial security.

Continue monitoring and rebalancing your portfolio as you move closer to retirement. Your current strategy has the potential to generate significant returns if maintained and slightly adjusted for optimal performance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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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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