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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8164 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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 - May 14, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 51 years working in private sector. I am risk averse & my investments are mostly as follows : 3 cr in Post Office (NSC , KVP , POTD) , 3.7 cr in EPF , 1.2 cr in Bank FD , One house with current market value 70 L other than self occupied , 15 L in PMVVY , 10 L in LIC Annuity , 9 L in POMIS , 20 L in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana , Wll get 25 L in gratuity on retirement . I want to retire in 2025 . I have one daughter aged 18 yrs & getting admitted jn college this year. Please advise on starting MF investment for post retiremeng corpus with capital protection .

Ans: Let's evaluate your current financial landscape and devise a strategic plan for initiating mutual fund investments to secure your post-retirement corpus while prioritizing capital protection.

Current Financial Overview
Your portfolio exhibits a conservative risk profile, with significant allocations towards fixed-income instruments and government-backed savings schemes. While this approach ensures capital preservation, exploring avenues for wealth appreciation and inflation-beating returns is imperative, especially considering your impending retirement in 2025.

Mutual Fund Investment Strategy
Given your risk-averse nature and the need for capital protection, deploying a portion of your surplus funds into mutual funds can offer a balanced approach towards wealth accumulation and stability.

Asset Allocation Considerations
Equity-Debt Hybrid Funds: Opting for equity-debt hybrid funds with a predominant allocation towards debt instruments can provide downside protection while offering the potential for modest capital appreciation.

Conservative Equity Funds: Investing in conservative equity funds with a focus on large-cap stocks and a track record of consistent performance can complement your risk-averse investment approach.

Capital Protection Mechanisms
Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs): Implementing STPs from your existing fixed-income instruments can facilitate a gradual transition towards mutual funds while mitigating market volatility risks.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing: Periodically reviewing your mutual fund portfolio and rebalancing asset allocations in line with changing market dynamics and financial goals is essential for ensuring capital protection and optimizing returns.

Financial Planning for Daughter's Education
Allocating a portion of your mutual fund investments towards funding your daughter's college education expenses can serve as a prudent financial planning strategy. By leveraging the power of compounding and disciplined investment management, you can secure her academic aspirations without compromising your retirement goals.

Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating mutual funds into your investment portfolio can diversify risk, enhance wealth creation potential, and safeguard your post-retirement corpus with a focus on capital protection. By adopting a systematic and disciplined approach towards mutual fund investing, you can navigate market uncertainties and achieve your financial objectives effectively.

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  |8164 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

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Hello Gurus, I am 41 years old and currently working in IT industries. My take home salary is more or less 1.8L/Month (After (income-tax, pf, etc.) all deductions). My monthly expenses (including everything + investments) are around 1.3L/Monthly. Family of four, kids are not started their major studies, still in primary school, dependant parents and relatives. My current investments. 1) LIC – 1.6L/Annum – approx. return would be 50+ Lakhs by 2038 2) HDFC Sanchya + - annually 4L return after 2038 3) PPF – annually 1.5L/Annum and expecting 40+Lakhs by 2034 4) PF – Right now around 20+Lakhs 5) One land – 25L 6) One Flat under construction – 25L invested/paid and total payment will be 1.15 Cr by 2028 7) One MF – Current value 8L, total investment 3.5L(Lumpsum in year of 2017) 8) Cash in hand – 70L(FD) 9) Emergency fund – 20L(FD) 10) Equity 1.6L Invested and current value 2.7L No Loans as of now. Apart from this I have 50L worth of term insurance, 20L health insurance cover for my Family. I am targeting to retire by another 14 years with a corpus of 15cr or more. Please guide me how I can achieve it. If I need to invest in MF then which all MFs I can invest in. (Risk taking appetite is moderate)
Ans: You have a well-diversified portfolio and a clear goal of retiring with a corpus of Rs 15 crores in 14 years. Let's break down a strategy to achieve this goal.

Current Financial Position
Age: 41 years
Monthly take-home salary: Rs 1.8 lakhs
Monthly expenses: Rs 1.3 lakhs
Family: Four members, with kids in primary school, dependent parents and relatives
Investments and Assets
LIC: Rs 1.6 lakhs/annum, expected return of 50+ lakhs by 2038
HDFC Sanchaya+: Rs 4 lakhs/annum, expected annual return after 2038
PPF: Rs 1.5 lakhs/annum, expected return of 40+ lakhs by 2034
PF: Current value around 20+ lakhs
Land: Worth Rs 25 lakhs
Flat under construction: Rs 25 lakhs invested, total payment will be Rs 1.15 crores by 2028
Mutual Funds: Current value Rs 8 lakhs, total investment Rs 3.5 lakhs (lumpsum in 2017)
Cash in hand (FD): Rs 70 lakhs
Emergency fund (FD): Rs 20 lakhs
Equity: Rs 1.6 lakhs invested, current value Rs 2.7 lakhs
Term insurance: Rs 50 lakhs
Health insurance: Rs 20 lakhs
Retirement Goal
Target corpus: Rs 15 crores
Time horizon: 14 years
Risk appetite: Moderate
Investment Strategy
1. Increase SIPs in Mutual Funds:

Considering your moderate risk appetite, invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid mutual funds. Actively managed funds can offer better returns compared to index funds.

2. Maximise Tax Savings:

Continue maximising your PPF and PF contributions for tax savings and secure returns.

3. Diversify Further:

Consider diversifying into debt funds for stability and fixed returns. This will balance your equity investments.

4. Real Estate Investments:

Be cautious with the flat under construction. Ensure timely completion and clear legal title to avoid future issues.

5. Emergency Fund:

You already have a substantial emergency fund. Maintain this for liquidity during unforeseen events.

6. Equity Investments:

Continue investing in equities. Direct stocks can offer high returns but require careful selection and monitoring.

7. Review Insurance Cover:

Ensure your term insurance cover is adequate. Consider increasing it to match your financial responsibilities and future goals.

Regular Monitoring and Review
Annual Review:

Regularly review your portfolio performance. Adjust investments based on market conditions and financial goals.

Financial Planner Consultation:

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner periodically. They can provide tailored advice and keep your investments on track.

Final Insights
You are on a good financial path with a diversified portfolio. Focus on increasing your SIPs in mutual funds and diversifying further into debt funds. Ensure your real estate investments are secure and maintain your emergency fund. Regularly review your portfolio and seek professional advice to stay on track for a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nidhi Gupta  |200 Answers  |Ask -

Physiotherapist - Answered on Mar 29, 2025

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Hello, Myself Apurba ,43 Y male. Have no disease, weight 68 Kg, height 5.5". I have always been associated with sports. Recently I am preparing for 21 KM marathon. I run 35 KM in field in 07 days with 02 days off (5 days * 07 km average) . I have successfully completed 10 KM marathon recently. Many are objecting me to run these much to protect my knee joint, cartilage etc. But I don't feel any issue , rather I feel so energised although the day. Please let me know if I am harming my knee unknowingly. Please suggest any precautions to be followed so that I can take care of my joints and keep continuing my running. I also do light strength training in parallel with running.
Ans: Hello Rajib,
It is good to know that you are so fit overall.
At times yes excessive running can harm the soft tissues of the knees.
These are the precautions you may take:
1) Please ensure you are taking your Vit D3, Calcium and multivitamin supplements as prescribed
2) A good 10 minutes warm up before running and 10 minutes of cool down via stretches is a must
3) A gentle sesame oil massage around the knee and muscles connected to it is good to do once a week
4) Please ensure you do some form of core exercises. You may learn these from a trainer or physiotherapist. As when core is strong the impact on the knees is lesser.
5) Please keep yourself well hydrated especially during runs
If even the slightest pain comes up take adequate rest!
All the best to become fitter than ever before.
Warm regards,
Dr Nidhi Bajaj Gupta
www.merahkiwellness.com
Insta: merahki_holisticwellness

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8164 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 29, 2025

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Sir, My name is Ankit and i am 32 year old. Sir i invest 3000rupees per month for next 5 year in Axis max Nifty 500momentum 50 fund. Is it right to invest in this fund for a long time?
Ans: Your investment of Rs. 3,000 per month in Axis Nifty 500 Momentum 50 Fund for the next 5 years needs careful evaluation. Since you are 32 years old, your investment horizon can be long-term.

Let’s assess whether this fund is the right choice.

Understanding Your Investment
Fund Type: Index-based momentum fund

Investment Style: Follows momentum strategy within Nifty 500

Your SIP Amount: Rs. 3,000 per month

Investment Tenure: 5 years (as per your plan)

Your Age: 32 (long-term horizon possible)

Momentum funds invest in stocks that have recently shown strong performance. These funds can outperform in bullish phases but may underperform in volatile or bearish markets.

Is This Fund Suitable for Long-Term Investment?
1. Momentum Strategy is Cyclical
This fund invests in stocks that have performed well recently.

If market trends change, it may struggle to maintain returns.

Not ideal as a core long-term portfolio holding.

2. High Volatility and Risk
Momentum funds have higher risk than diversified equity funds.

In falling markets, momentum stocks drop sharply.

3. Index-Based Strategy Limits Flexibility
This fund is passively managed and cannot adjust based on market trends.

Actively managed funds can perform better in different cycles.

4. 5-Year Horizon is Short for Equity
Equity investments work best for 7+ years.

If you need money in 5 years, debt funds or balanced funds are better.

Better Approach for Your Investment
1. Diversify into Actively Managed Funds
Instead of relying on a single index-based momentum fund, diversify.

Large & multi-cap funds can provide stability with growth.

Mid-cap & flexi-cap funds can generate higher returns with controlled risk.

2. Extend Investment Horizon
Instead of stopping after 5 years, consider SIP for 10+ years.

Equity needs long duration to generate wealth.

3. Review and Rebalance Annually
If fund performance is inconsistent, shift to a better option.

Avoid locking yourself into one strategy for too long.

Final Insights
Axis Nifty 500 Momentum 50 Fund is not ideal as a standalone long-term investment.

Momentum strategy works in bull markets but struggles in volatility.

Instead of investing in only one fund, diversify into actively managed funds.

If your horizon is just 5 years, equity funds carry risk. Debt or hybrid funds can be better.

Review your goals and adjust your investment accordingly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8164 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 27, 2025Hindi
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Hi, I am 47. want to start monthly SIP of Rs 50,000. I am not a risk taker and happy with 12-15% annual return. Can you please suggest best plans & combinations.
Ans: You want to invest Rs. 50,000 per month through SIP. You prefer lower risk and expect 12-15% annual returns.

A structured mutual fund portfolio can help balance risk and returns.

Understanding Your Investment Profile
Age: 47 years

Risk Tolerance: Low (not a risk taker)

Return Expectation: 12-15% annually

Investment Horizon: Long-term SIP (10+ years)

Preferred Investment Mode: Monthly SIP of Rs. 50,000

Your return expectation suggests a mix of equity and debt. But low risk means avoiding pure small-cap or mid-cap funds.

Suggested SIP Allocation (Rs. 50,000 per Month)
A 60:40 equity-to-debt ratio is ideal for your risk level.

Equity Mutual Funds – Rs. 30,000 (60%)
Large & Multi-Cap Funds (Rs. 20,000): Stability with growth potential

Sectoral or Thematic Funds (Rs. 10,000): Targeted growth in strong industries

Debt Mutual Funds – Rs. 20,000 (40%)
Corporate Bond or Dynamic Bond Funds (Rs. 15,000): Lower volatility, predictable returns

Short-Term Debt Funds (Rs. 5,000): For liquidity and lower risk

Why This Allocation?
Large & Multi-Cap Funds reduce risk while capturing market growth.

Debt Funds provide stability and lower market-linked volatility.

Sectoral Funds add controlled growth exposure.

This balance can help achieve your 12-15% return expectation.

Additional Considerations
1. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for Future Income
After 10-15 years, convert part of equity into SWP for regular income.

Ensure withdrawals are tax-efficient.

2. Portfolio Review Every Year
Check fund performance annually.

Rebalance if required to maintain risk balance.

3. Tax Efficiency
Equity Gains: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Debt Gains: Taxed as per your income slab.

Final Insights
A mix of equity and debt reduces risk while achieving your return goals.

Large & multi-cap funds provide stability, and debt funds add safety.

Annual reviews help adjust strategy as per market conditions.

SWP after 10+ years can convert SIPs into passive income.

This plan aligns with your risk profile and expected returns.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |569 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 27, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
I am in relationship with a girl for 6 year but now her parents almost fix her arrange marriage and they dont care about her choice they didnot even consider her opinion about the boy they met ..except her everyone in family like the boy because he is rich and handling his father business and here i am i dont have job i am preparing for government job i asked her family please give me some time i,ll get the job this year but they say we cant agree for the possibility of you getting job or not and her mother say we dont allow intercaste marriage i am sc and she is general and pandit .. i am 26year old what should i do .. i think ab uske parents jada jaldi krre hai shadi k loye because unhone merse baat krli to unko dhr hai ki m kuch esa vsa na krdu jisse unki society me respect vghra ko khtra hoga isliye or vo jada rishtedaro ki sunre hai... mne apni gf ko bola hai ki filhal jb tk job nhi lgti meri tb tk unhe boldo ki mere sath ab kuch nhi h that she blocks me or vo apni side se tb tk rishtey ko mna krti rhe pr uske ghr vale uska opinion about boy consider hi ni krre hai jo unke rishtedaro ne discuss krliya ladka thik h to unhone usko haan boldi ... mujhe kya krna chaiye...her parents do all emotional blackmail to her as today they even touched her feet and said hme pta h tere liye kya shi h hmne tko pala h kuch bhi esa nhi krdio jisse hmari ijat khrab hojaye m pagal hojaunga
Ans: The real question here is not just about her parents—it's about her. If she truly wants to be with you, she needs to resist this marriage and make it clear that she does not consent. But if she is unable to stand up to them, then you need to ask yourself if you want to keep fighting for someone who is not fighting alongside you. Love is powerful, but it cannot survive if only one person is struggling to keep it alive.

Right now, you need to have an honest conversation with her. Ask her directly if she is ready to resist or if she is feeling too pressured to fight back. If she wants to be with you but is feeling trapped, you both need to find a way to delay or stop this marriage. But if she is already giving in to their pressure, then you need to start preparing yourself for the painful truth that she may not choose you in the end.

At the same time, focus on your own stability. Your career is not just about proving her family wrong—it is about securing your future and self-worth. No matter what happens with this relationship, you need to build a life where no one can ever make you feel like you are not good enough again. It is not easy to walk away from love, but sometimes, choosing yourself is the only way forward.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |569 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 28, 2025

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Relationship
Hi ma'am my relationship with my parents r getting sour since a very long time they always want me to do everything that makes them happy and think about their happiness if I think about my happiness they will start fighting with me nd my parents never supported me for anything in my life till today my dad has always said that if she will ever think about her happiness then I'm gonna leave everything nd go nd so does my mom she also threatened me to cut ties with me even I do everything still they taunt me every day that I can't do anything in life my parents never support me they never ask me who I wanna get married to who I'll b happy with what I wanna work what is my goals ngt but it's always about them my grandmother stays 15kms away from my house she has 3 kids and all r well settled but her 2 daughters had a love marriage one to a muslim nd one to a hindu when they were about to get married my mom didn't even raised her voice or opposed that marriage her one daughter ran nd got married to her bf who is a hindu at that tym also my mom nd dad nd my grandmother didn't even say a word nd during Covid 2020 my grandmother got her 2nd daughter married with her bf who is a muslim without informing any of our relatives when I fell in love with a hindu guy my mom separated me from him and she is telling everyone to brainwash me to leave the person I love nd get married to a Christian guy when ever we go to my grandmother's house my mom always start a fight with me we went there for 3 times and all the 3 times she started fighting with me my mom always support my grandmother's children if anything happens to them she will call them 10 tyms and ask how they are when my grandmother was ill treating me my mom didn't even raise her voice nd didn't even take a stand for myself but she was watching everything as a movie is going on when I was crying after we came back to my house my mom didn't even ask me what am I going through when she was seeing me cry everyday she always support my grandmother who did bad with me if they will say not to let her work my mom will listen to her nd her daughters but she will never listen to me and my grandmother started forcing me to get married to a Christian guy nd i should also listen to her nd not to think about my happiness nd what makes me happy in life what should I do I'm completely shattered ma'am nd i don't have anyone to share my pain with even if I do they will support my parents only bcoz of all this I'm not able to concentrate on anything at all
Ans: Dear Niveditha,
Right now, your emotions are tangled in hurt, anger, and helplessness, but you are not powerless. The first thing you need to do is detach emotionally from their guilt-tripping. You cannot live your entire life trying to please people who refuse to acknowledge your needs. It’s okay to love and respect your parents, but not at the cost of losing yourself.

Start setting boundaries, even if it feels impossible at first. If they constantly taunt you, limit conversations with them. If they threaten to cut ties, remind yourself that love should not be conditional. If they refuse to support you, find strength within yourself. You are already surviving without their emotional backing, which means you are stronger than you think.

As for your relationship, you need to ask yourself—are you willing to sacrifice your happiness just to avoid family drama? If you truly love this person and see a future together, you will need to stand firm in your decision. Love requires courage, and choosing your happiness is not selfish—it’s necessary.

You are not alone in this. Many people fight similar battles with families who refuse to understand. But at the end of the day, this is your life. You deserve love, respect, and the right to make your own choices. No matter what happens, never let their words make you believe you are unworthy of happiness. Keep fighting for yourself, because you deserve it.

...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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