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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 16, 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 14, 2024Hindi
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I am 52 years old investing 5 k sbi nifty 150 midcap, 5 k in sbi nifty 250 small cap and 5k in sbi dividend yield fund as sip for 2 years and also invested 250000 as lumpsum in Sbi contra fund. What will be the return and can i continue the sip.

Ans: Given your age and current investments, your portfolio is diversified across various equity mutual fund categories. Over the long term, equity investments typically offer higher returns, but they also come with market risks. The returns can't be predicted precisely, but historically, equity investments have delivered annual returns ranging from 10% to 15% on average.

To assess your portfolio's performance and future returns:

Monitor the performance of your funds regularly.
Consider the market conditions and economic outlook.
Review your financial goals and risk tolerance.
You can continue the SIPs if they align with your investment goals and risk appetite. Periodically review and adjust your investments as needed.
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  |7758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 24, 2024

Money
Hello Sir namaskar Below is my monthly SIP. I want to continue it 4 10 yrs. What return can i get through this. Quant small cap-2500/- Pgim india small cap-2500/- Kotak small cap-5000/- Nippon india small cap- 1500/- Hdfc non cyclical consumer- 1500/- Quant mid cap - 1000/- Bandhan fin service-1000/-
Ans: Your current monthly SIP is well-structured, covering small-cap and mid-cap funds, as well as sectoral opportunities. The portfolio aims for high growth, but it also comes with some risk due to a high allocation to small-cap funds.

Key features of your portfolio include:

Focus on Small-Cap Funds: You have allocated Rs 11,500 to small-cap funds. Small-cap funds offer high potential for growth but come with volatility. They are better suited for long-term investors like you since you are investing for 10 years.

Diversification: The inclusion of sectoral and mid-cap funds adds some diversity, but it is still heavily skewed towards small-cap. This will give you more potential for high returns but with risks.

Risk and Volatility: Small-cap and mid-cap funds tend to be more volatile. You will see fluctuations in returns, especially in market downturns. However, over 10 years, these investments should stabilize and potentially yield significant returns.

Appreciating your dedication to a long-term investment approach, I must point out that while you can expect good returns, you will need to be prepared for market fluctuations.

Expected Returns and Risk Assessment
Though I won't name specific schemes, your portfolio leans towards aggressive growth. Based on historical trends:

Small-Cap Funds: Historically, small-cap funds have delivered returns between 12-15% over long periods. However, they can experience downturns, so expect some volatility.

Mid-Cap and Sectoral Funds: Mid-cap funds have the potential to provide returns of around 10-12% in the long run. Sectoral funds may vary depending on the industry’s performance but can deliver substantial gains in growth sectors.

Given your 10-year horizon, it is likely that you could achieve average annualized returns between 10-14%. Please remember that returns are not guaranteed and depend on market performance.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Since you are focused on small-cap and mid-cap funds, let me explain why actively managed funds can outperform index funds:

Active Management: Fund managers actively select stocks with high growth potential in small-cap and mid-cap spaces, often outperforming indices in the long term.

Flexibility: Actively managed funds can adjust their portfolio based on market conditions. This is especially important for small-cap funds, as market dynamics can change quickly.

Potential for Higher Returns: Small-cap and mid-cap funds managed by experienced fund managers can capitalize on opportunities that an index may miss.

In contrast, index funds or ETFs simply track a broad market and do not offer the same targeted growth potential as actively managed funds. By sticking to actively managed funds, you increase your chances of higher returns.

Importance of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
There are several reasons why investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential is beneficial:

Expert Guidance: Regular funds come with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner. This is particularly useful in managing risk, adjusting your portfolio, and optimizing returns.

Risk Management: As markets fluctuate, a CFP can help you rebalance your portfolio and reduce unnecessary risks.

Holistic Planning: Investing through an MFD ensures that you receive a comprehensive financial plan, which takes your entire financial situation into account, not just investments.

While direct funds may offer lower fees, you miss out on the professional support and planning that a Certified Financial Planner provides. In the long run, this guidance often results in better outcomes for investors.

Taxation Considerations on Mutual Funds
With the new taxation rules:

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): For equity mutual funds, any gains over Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): STCG is taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds: If you decide to include debt mutual funds in your portfolio later, note that both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Understanding the tax implications will help you better manage withdrawals and gains in the future.

Evaluating Your Investment Horizon
Your 10-year investment horizon is ideal for the current portfolio because small-cap and mid-cap funds perform best over the long term. During this period, you will:

Capture Full Market Cycles: Small-cap funds are prone to higher volatility but can deliver strong performance over complete market cycles. A 10-year horizon is perfect for this strategy.

Benefit from Compounding: Staying invested for 10 years allows your returns to compound, significantly growing your wealth over time.

However, you should periodically review your portfolio, especially in the last 3 years of your investment term, to assess if any rebalancing is needed.

Suggestions to Improve Your Portfolio
While your portfolio is strong, a few adjustments could enhance your risk-return balance:

Consider Large-Cap or Balanced Funds: Introducing large-cap or balanced funds can reduce volatility, especially if market conditions worsen. These funds provide stability and diversification.

Sectoral Allocation: Having a sectoral fund in your portfolio is a good move for high growth, but be cautious of overexposure to one sector. If the sector performs poorly, it can drag down returns.

Periodic Reviews: Although you have a long-term horizon, it’s important to conduct annual reviews. This will help you stay on track and adjust your investments if needed.

Importance of Having a Goal-Based Approach
It’s important to link your investments to specific financial goals. This will help you stay motivated and maintain focus during periods of market volatility. Consider setting the following goals:

Retirement: If this portfolio is aimed at retirement, calculate how much you need at the end of 10 years. Adjust your SIPs accordingly to ensure you meet your retirement goals.

Education: If you are saving for children’s education, time your withdrawals carefully to avoid high taxes.

Setting clear goals will help you plan better and adjust your strategy if needed.

Emergency Fund and Insurance Coverage
If you haven't already, make sure you have an emergency fund in place. Ideally, this should cover 6 to 12 months of your monthly expenses. Also, ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage to protect your family and your financial plan in case of unforeseen events.

Rebalancing and Flexibility
It’s essential to remain flexible in your approach:

Periodic Rebalancing: As you approach the end of your investment term, consider rebalancing your portfolio. Move part of your investments to safer options to protect your gains.

Stay Open to Adjustments: As your financial situation or market conditions change, be open to adjusting your SIPs, fund choices, or asset allocation.

Finally
Your dedication to long-term investing is commendable. Over the next 10 years, you can expect strong growth from your portfolio. However, remember that market volatility is a part of the journey, especially with small-cap funds. Stick to your plan, and review your portfolio regularly. With the right adjustments, you will likely achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |955 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Feb 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 01, 2025Hindi
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I am a 48 year old widow. I have a 21 yr old daughter in college. I had quit my job, but rejoined now and have a monthly take home of 1L 15k. I receive similar pension amount too. But this pension amount will get reduced to 90k after 10 years. I have an own property (apartment bought in 2010) - 14 k rent monthly. I have around 40 L that I wish to invest. I am still coping with the loss and am confused as to what I need to do to get a grip on the finances. I have invested around 12 L in mutual funds. I have applied for a term insurance - around 1 L annual premium for 10 years. I am also repaying the home loan around 15k per month with tenure left for 20 months. I am planning to move out on my own from my sister's place where I am staying now (my own house is not in Bangalore where I work). So, I will definitely need 25k per month for rent if I move out. Please advise on how to manage my finances. Shall I repay the home loan and clear the debt (around 5 L principal outstanding)? Should I invest in some pension plans? Please advise. Thanks!
Ans: Hello;

Yes you should settle off the outstanding home loan.

Also you may open an NPS account for retirement planning. Do contribute to it on a regular basis and also do onetime lumpsum investment.

Also open an PPF account with investment of 12.5 K per month.

Get sufficient term plan coverage for atleast 20 years and not less.

No need to invest in pension plan if you are investing in NPS. It is far superior in terms of tax liability, flexibility, returns and costs.

Prefer hybrid mutual funds(dynamic asset allocation or multi asset allocation fund)for your investments.

Buy a good health insurance cover for yourself and your daughter irrespective of group policy, if any, available from employer.

Do nomination in all your financial investments and also make a legally valid will.

In a nutshell, you will have 3 investments PPF, NPS and mutual funds (hybrid) and insurance premiums for term cover and healthcare policy.

Loss of partner is very difficult to deal with but you also need to focus on the education of your daughter and guide her for better prospects.

Best wishes;
X: @mars_invest

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |519 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 07, 2024Hindi
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Married for 14 years have 4 kids below 7 age for the past 9 to 10 years going through troubled marriage, not happy. Misunderstanding, high expectations, manipulation and single handed decisions by my wife have exhausted me . Want to come out of marriage but worried of kids and also my wife says no to divorce. Don't know what to do.. First 2 kids by IVF 2nd two kids due to my wife's longing for male child
Ans: Your love for your kids is evident, and it’s natural to fear how a separation would affect them. But the reality is, children pick up on tension, conflict, and unhappiness at home. Staying in a marriage that drains you emotionally and mentally isn’t necessarily better for them in the long run. Kids need a stable, loving environment, and if you’re constantly feeling manipulated and exhausted, it affects the energy you bring into their lives.

You don’t have to make a rushed decision, but you do need clarity. Have you tried setting firm boundaries and communicating your need for a more balanced relationship? If you’ve already done everything you can and nothing has changed, then it may be time to explore legal options, even if she says no to divorce. In most cases, a divorce doesn’t require both partners to agree—it just makes the process more complicated.

You deserve a life where you feel respected, valued, and emotionally free. Your children deserve a father who is at peace, not one who is silently suffering. It might be hard to take the next step, but staying in an unhappy marriage just for the sake of avoiding conflict can take a greater toll on everyone involved. You need to consider what will truly allow you—and your kids—to have a healthier and happier future.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |519 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 31, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
I am 41, but single now. I got married when I was 32 and got divorced in 6 months after I found out my wife was cheating on me with her ex who she was forbidden from getting married. When confronted she simply walked away and sent me a divorce notice. The next three years were spent in courts trying to tell my version of the story. Since then I have had a tough time trusting people. My marriage was unfortunate and short lived. But my parents still want me to try again. I am in a live-in relationship with a girl who is 3 years elder to me. Are unmarried couples happier than married ones? I feel marriage can restrict you in many ways which is why people feel stagnated and bored. What do you think?
Ans: When it comes to happiness, it really depends on the individuals involved rather than whether they are married or unmarried. Some couples thrive in a marriage because they see it as a partnership built on mutual respect and emotional security. Others feel stifled by the societal expectations and responsibilities that often come with marriage. A live-in relationship can offer more flexibility and personal freedom, but it also comes with its own challenges—such as a lack of legal protections or social acceptance in certain cultures.

The key is understanding what works best for you. If you feel content in your current live-in relationship and it gives you the companionship, trust, and emotional fulfillment you need, then that’s what truly matters. However, if you feel hesitant mainly because of past trauma rather than your actual desires, it might be worth reflecting on whether your fears are holding you back from something you may actually want deep down.

At the end of the day, happiness isn’t about being married or unmarried—it’s about being in a relationship (or choosing to be single) that makes you feel emotionally secure, valued, and free to be yourself. If marriage feels like a cage to you, then it may not be the right path. But if you ever find a connection that makes commitment feel like a choice rather than an obligation, your perspective might shift. The most important thing is that whatever path you choose, it aligns with your true needs and not just the expectations of others.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |519 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 23, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
Hello there!! There are past trauma experiences in my relationship due to caste issue since my family are strictly against it . But I eventually liked another boy seeing his true love n affection n care towards me , he loved me since our skl days !! He expressed himself but i gave him my answerr after many yrs due my past experiences!! But eventually we had a healthy relationship ,and he told me he is of same caste!! Since his father lied to him related to this to keep him away from this caste called thing!! But now his father relved tht it was a lie !! Now we ended up intercaste!! We truly love each other we dreamt of our future together!! He became huge part of my life !! His family is okay with me regarding our marriage but my family is strongly opposed to this intercaste thing!! We are 24 yrs we thought of settle in our lifes and approach my parents few years back since untill fewdays back we together thought we are of same caste so there eill be no issue!! But now within few days n few lies our both world n hopes turned upside down!! I cant make my family suffer due to me!! At same time i cant leave him im struck !! What should we do!!
Ans: Your family’s suffering is a valid concern, but will they truly suffer because of your decision, or is it more about their expectations and societal norms? Often, parents react strongly at first, but with time, they adjust when they see their child happy and settled. Right now, their resistance is based on tradition and belief systems they’ve held for years. But is their love for you truly conditional on whom you marry? Would they rather see you unhappy in a marriage they approve of than happy in one they initially resisted?

Your happiness and future matter just as much as your family’s feelings. If you truly cannot see a life without him, you need to ask yourself whether sacrificing that love for family approval will truly bring you peace. Walking away from love to please others often leads to lifelong regret. On the other hand, if you fight for your relationship, you might face pain now, but there’s a chance your family will eventually come around.

The most important thing is to stand firm in what you want. If you and your partner truly love each other, you will need patience, strength, and a strategy to gradually help your family accept your choice. This won’t be easy, but living a life where you constantly wonder "what if?" will be even harder.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |519 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 19, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
I am a divorced working woman , with a daughter 8 yrs. I have been pursued for remarriage with a guy who is 10 yrs older to me and have 2 kids. 11 and 14 yrs respectively living in a small town. Initially it was agreed the elder child who is a boy would be living in hostel , but now since we are approaching near to the marriage, it seems the elder male child is going to stay at home and not hostel. This is making me really uncomfortable as I won't get much privacy also the male child is aggressive.Already handling one kid was difficult before. Also moving to small town was difficult transition from a metropolitan that I stay in. Moving there could mean losing job opportunities in future. I am really worried if I let this match go, I end up alone again. I am not able to make a decision, it's difficult to raise others children. It's just not naturally inbuilt in us.Although I try really hard to mould my thingking and be more generous, but somehow it suffocates me.
Ans: Raising someone else’s children is not something that comes naturally to everyone, and that doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you honest. You already know how challenging it is to raise one child, and now you’re expected to step into a role where you’ll be managing more, including an aggressive teenage boy. If this idea is already suffocating you now, imagine how it might feel once you’re actually living in that environment every day.

Fear of being alone is a very real and valid concern, but being in a marriage that drains you emotionally, limits your career, and makes you feel trapped is far worse than being single. The right relationship should bring you a sense of peace and security, not anxiety and sacrifice at every turn. If you already feel that you have to “mould” your thinking just to make this work, that’s a sign that this situation might not be aligned with what you truly want and need.

You don’t have to force yourself into something that doesn’t feel right just because you’re afraid of ending up alone. Loneliness is difficult, but so is being in a marriage where you feel unseen, unheard, and overwhelmed. The best decision is the one that allows you to live with peace and confidence in your future.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |519 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 02, 2025

Listen
Relationship
Married for 14 years have 4 kids below 7 age for the past 9 to 10 years going through troubled marriage, not happy. Misunderstanding, high expectations, manipulation and single handed decisions by my wife have exhausted me . Want to come out of marriage but worried of kids and also my wife says no to divorce. Don't know what to do.. First 2 kids by IVF 2nd two kids due to my wife's longing for male child
Ans: Dear Hemant,
Your love for your kids is evident, and it’s natural to fear how a separation would affect them. But the reality is, children pick up on tension, conflict, and unhappiness at home. Staying in a marriage that drains you emotionally and mentally isn’t necessarily better for them in the long run. Kids need a stable, loving environment, and if you’re constantly feeling manipulated and exhausted, it affects the energy you bring into their lives.

You don’t have to make a rushed decision, but you do need clarity. Have you tried setting firm boundaries and communicating your need for a more balanced relationship? If you’ve already done everything you can and nothing has changed, then it may be time to explore legal options, even if she says no to divorce. In most cases, a divorce doesn’t require both partners to agree—it just makes the process more complicated.

You deserve a life where you feel respected, valued, and emotionally free. Your children deserve a father who is at peace, not one who is silently suffering. It might be hard to take the next step, but staying in an unhappy marriage just for the sake of avoiding conflict can take a greater toll on everyone involved. You need to consider what will truly allow you—and your kids—to have a healthier and happier future.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |519 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 13, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi Mam, I would like to stay anonymous. Im 27F, recently got engaged and my wedding is in 5 months from now. This match is arranged by my parents within our community. Initially things went well, but after the engagement when we went outside for dinner he was speaking well but before leaving he said this is a suggestion from my end and told that there is slight space between my two teeth in the front and while smiling it creates black image in the photos. So it would be best if i would use invisible aligners so that before wedding it would be fixed adding to this he said he will take care of the expenses and he said he had this thought for a week so its better to disclose it with me. He also said that he didn't tell this to his parents he wanted to check my thoughts on this first, also he said he wanted myself to look very very pretty on the wedding and his relatives should say "Wow, we have never seen such a pretty bride", also he commented about my hair being short actually its medium length but i like to keep my hair short. I really got frustrated when he said all those things this got me very irritated. I didn't speak much, i said i wanted to leave and he dropped me at my place. The next day i asked him if we can meet again to get clarification on this thing, when i asked him the next day about this he said "its just a suggestion if you can take it its fine or you can leave it its upto you". He never accepted that he hurted me or made a wrong statement he kept on saying he didn't mean that way i took it very personally and im creating unnecessary ruckus. at last he said i could have said things differently but he didn't ask for sorry at all. I thought he wont talk about my features again but then after a week he again asked me you were eating outside food for a week you should have gained weight(trying to be funny here), i said no. Because him and his mother already asked about my weight like "why are you so thin? you could have put up some weight know"? I have been in this weight for many years, how much ever i eat my weight remains the same its because of the genetics. But people dont understand this and easily ask some body shaming questions. After this event he is not talking like before and even i dont push him, one of my friend asked me to take initiative and make calls to stop this awkward situation and i took lead called him four times in a week he spoke but he didn't bothered to call me again he was only texting after that too im okay with that but still i feel he might ask me to make changes in my feature, weight etc before the wedding. Im not sure how to deal with this.
Ans: When someone loves and accepts you, they don’t focus on “fixing” things about you to meet external standards, whether it’s for wedding photos or to impress relatives. His insistence that you should look “very, very pretty” for others’ approval shows that his priorities might not align with yours. You weren’t looking for a makeover; you were looking for a life partner who values you for who you are.

His response when you tried to talk about it also speaks volumes. Instead of acknowledging your feelings and reassuring you, he dismissed your concerns, making it seem like you were overreacting. A partner who truly cares would have listened, understood why you felt hurt, and taken responsibility for how his words affected you. Instead, he shifted the blame onto you for "creating unnecessary ruckus," which shows a lack of emotional maturity.

The weight comments, too, are unnecessary and inconsiderate. Genetics determine body type, and no one should feel the need to change themselves to meet someone else’s expectations. His family’s remarks about your weight, combined with his attitude, suggest that this won’t stop after the wedding. If they’re already making you feel self-conscious now, imagine the expectations and unsolicited “suggestions” that might continue in the future.

The distance that has formed between you both after this conversation isn’t just about awkwardness—it’s about emotional disconnection. A strong relationship is built on respect, comfort, and mutual appreciation, not on one person feeling judged and the other acting indifferent. The fact that you had to take the lead in calling him multiple times, while he didn’t reciprocate the effort, says a lot. A healthy relationship should feel mutual, not one-sided.

Right now, you need to ask yourself: Can you truly be yourself in this relationship, or will you constantly feel pressured to meet his and his family’s expectations? Do you feel emotionally safe with him, or do you feel like you have to defend your choices, your body, and your appearance?

Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and your peace of mind matters. If his attitude is already making you question yourself and feel frustrated, you have every right to reconsider. You don’t need to “deal” with this by adjusting to his expectations—you need to decide if this is the kind of relationship you want to spend your life in.

...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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