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Worried about declining investments? 58-year-old seeks advice on his portfolio

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 24, 2025

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
Shyam Question by Shyam on Mar 14, 2025Hindi
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I am 58 now still working, I investing through SIP in Mutual funds @ 3000/-pm 1. Tata Small cap direct fund 2. ICICI Pru technology 3. HDFC Balanced advantage fund 4 Canara Roboco Multi cap 5. Axis smal cap, and Lump sum in 1 Nippon Large cap (50k) 2 Quant small cap (1.40l) 3. Quant Infra (1 lak), 4. ICICI commodities (50k) 5. Canara Roboco small cap (50k), 6. Aditya Birla Sunlife PSU equity (30k) But now the value it is declining gradually. Kindly advise

Ans: Your portfolio consists of SIPs and lump sum investments in mutual funds across multiple categories. You have exposure to small-cap, multi-cap, balanced advantage, technology, large-cap, infrastructure, commodities, and PSU equity funds.

Observations on Your Portfolio
High Exposure to Small-Cap Funds

You have three small-cap funds in SIP and three in lump sum.

Small-cap funds are highly volatile and take time to deliver returns.

Overexposure can lead to sharp fluctuations.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds

You hold technology, infrastructure, commodities, and PSU equity funds.

These funds depend on sector-specific performance.

Sectors go through cycles of growth and slowdown.

High allocation to sectoral funds increases risk.

Balanced Advantage Fund

This fund aims to balance equity and debt.

It reduces volatility but may not generate high growth.

Large-Cap and Multi-Cap Exposure

Your portfolio has only one large-cap fund and one multi-cap fund.

Large-cap funds provide stability, but exposure is low.

Multi-cap funds help diversification, but allocation is limited.

Why Your Portfolio Value is Declining
Market Volatility

Small-cap and sectoral funds react sharply to market movements.

A temporary decline does not mean a permanent loss.

Sector-Specific Performance

Technology, commodities, and infrastructure sectors may be underperforming.

These funds perform well only in favorable market conditions.

Economic and Global Factors

Interest rates, inflation, and global market trends impact sectoral funds.

A broad-based correction affects small-cap and thematic funds first.

Steps to Improve Your Portfolio
1. Reduce Small-Cap Exposure
Limit small-cap funds to one or two funds only.

Redeploy part of the funds into flexi-cap or large-cap funds.

Keep SIP in only one small-cap fund instead of two.

2. Reduce Sectoral Fund Dependence
Exit or reduce allocation in sectoral funds if they exceed 20% of your total portfolio.

Consider moving funds to diversified equity funds.

Retain sectoral funds only if you can handle volatility.

3. Increase Large-Cap and Multi-Cap Allocation
Large-cap funds offer stability and consistent returns.

Multi-cap funds adjust allocation dynamically across market caps.

Add or increase SIP in large-cap or flexi-cap funds.

4. Maintain Balanced Asset Allocation
Include a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds for stability.

Balanced advantage funds provide some protection in volatile markets.

Consider increasing exposure to hybrid funds for risk management.

5. Stick to Long-Term Investing
Markets move in cycles, and temporary declines are normal.

Continue your SIPs without panic.

Monitor performance but avoid frequent changes.

6. Review and Rebalance Every Year
Check fund performance annually.

Exit funds that consistently underperform their category.

Shift funds based on market trends and your risk tolerance.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is high-risk due to small-cap and sectoral fund exposure.

Reducing allocation in small-cap and thematic funds will lower volatility.

Increasing large-cap and multi-cap allocation will bring balance.

Staying invested for the long term will help you recover losses.

Avoid frequent fund switches, and review your portfolio annually.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on Jun 10, 2022

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I am 48. Sir I have SIP in the following funds. Please let me know if I should continue or need to do any change in my investment. 1) ADITYA BIRLA SUN LIFE FRONTLINE EQUITY FUND-GROWTH Rs.1000 13.06.2016 (date) 2) DSP MID CAP FUND--GROWTH Rs.3000 12.06.2017 3) HDFC MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND-GROWTH Rs.2000 20.12.2016 4) ICICI PRUDENTIAL VALUE DISCOVERY FUND-GROWTH Rs.1000 14.06.2016 5) MIRAE ASSET EMERGING BLUECHIP FUND-GROWTH Rs.1000 14.06.2016 6) MIRAE ASSET TAX SAVER FUND-GROWTH Rs.2000 19.12.2016 7) HDFC CHILDRENS GIFT FUND-GROWTH Rs.1000 13.06.2016 8) AXIS FLEXI CAP FUND-GROWTH Rs.3000 02.06.2021 9) MIRAE ASSET HYBRID-EQUITY FUND-GROWTH Rs.1500 02.06.2021 10) MIRAE ASSET MIDCAP FUND-GROWTH Rs.3000 05.07.2021 11) NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND -GROWTH Rs.1000 26.12.2017 Sir I have invested lump sum amount in the following funds. Please suggest whether to continue or exit. 1) ADITYA BIRLA SUN LIFE BANKING AND FINANCIAL Rs.50,000 22.08.2016 (date) Rs.79,647 (present value) SERVICES FUND-GROWTH 2) ADITYA BIRLA SUN LIFE FRONTLINE EQUITY Rs.50,000 22.08.2016 Rs.87,455 FUND-GROWTH 3) ADITYA BIRLA SUN LIFE SMALL CAP FUND-GROWTH Rs.100,000 29.06.2017 Rs.132,490 4) HDFC HYBRID EQUITY FUND-GROWTH Rs.120,273 01.06.2018 Rs.178,746 5) ICICI PRUDENTIAL BLUECHIP FUND-RETAIL-GROWTH Rs.20,042 22.02.2018 Rs.31,422 6) L&T INDIA VALUE FUND-GROWTH Rs.25,000 22.08.2016 Rs.48,505 7) L&T INDIA VALUE FUND-GROWTH Rs.150,000 17.04.2017 Rs.245,565 8) MIRAE ASSET TAX SAVER FUND-GROWTH Rs.25,000 22.08.2016 Rs.61,878 9) MIRAE ASSET TAX SAVER FUND-GROWTH Rs.105,000 28.04.2017 Rs.216,372 10) ADITYA BIRLA SUN LIFE PURE VALUE FUND-GROWTH Rs.50,000 06.11.2018 Rs.65,281 11) ADITYA BIRLA SUN LIFE TAX RELIEF 96-GROWTH Rs.100,000 06.11.2018 Rs.128,895 12) L&T EMERGING BUSINESS FUND-GROWTH Rs.100,000 13.12.2017 Rs.155,097 13) MIRAE ASSET BANKING & FINANCIAL Rs.264,987 16.12.2020(STP) Rs.273,346 SERVICES FUND-GROWTH 14) MIRAE ASSET BANKING & FINANCIAL Rs.50,000 23.11.2021 Rs.44,129 SERVICES FUND-GROWTH 15) MIRAE ASSET GREAT CONSUMER FUND-GROWTH Rs.180,000 13.12.2017 Rs.284,600 16) MIRAE HEALTHCARE FUND-GROWTH Rs.200,000 09.11.2018 Rs.401,429 17) MIRAE ASSET MIDCAP FUND-GROWTH Rs.235,462 9.12.2020(STP) Rs.280,601 18) NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND-GROWTH Rs.100,000 12.12.2017 Rs.178,693 19) TATA FLEXI CAP FUND-GROWTH Rs.100,000 09.11.2018 Rs.149,127 20) TATA INDIA CONSUMER FUND-PLAN A-GROWTH Rs.100,000 09.11.2018 Rs.141,382 21) UTI SMALL CAP FUND-GROWTH Rs.100,523 22.12.2020(STP) Rs.137,025
Ans: Too many funds, please consolidate it in 4 to 5 funds

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 21, 2024

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Sir, Im 45 year old and I will be retiring at the age of 58 and I have been investing in following SIP. 1. Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund – GROWTH investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2021 and I even do top up. 2. Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund – GROWTH - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2021 and I even do top up. 3. Canara Robeco Emerging Equities - Regular Plan – GROWTH - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2017 and I even do top up. 4. Franklin India Multi Cap Fund – Growth – invested lumpsum of Rs.1,00,000/- in 2024 and I even do top up. 5. HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund - Regular Growth Plan - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2018 and I even do top up. 6. ICICI PRUDENTIAL ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES FUND – Growth - invested lumpsum of Rs.1,00,000/- in 2024 and I even do top up. 7. ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund – Growth - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2021 and I even do top up. 8. Kotak Bluechip Fund – Growth - invested lumpsum of Rs.50,000/- in 2024 and I even do top up. 9. Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver Fund-Growth Option - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2017 and I even do top up. 10. Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Growth Plan - Growth Option - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2024 and I even do top up. And I even have invested in Liquiloan of Rs.50,000/- And I even want to invest lumpsum of Rs. 8 to 10 lacs in which of the above stock should I invest pls suggest and how much corpus can i expect at the time of retirement.. Pls revert back at the earliest
Ans: It's wonderful to see that you have been consistently investing in a range of mutual funds. This disciplined approach will certainly work in your favour as you move closer to your retirement at the age of 58. Since you're currently 45 years old, you still have 13 years to build a solid corpus, and you're on the right track. Let's evaluate your portfolio, suggest improvements, and explore how you can maximise your retirement corpus.

Portfolio Overview
Your portfolio includes investments in:

Small-cap funds
Large and mid-cap funds
Multi-cap funds
Sector-specific funds (Energy)
Tax-saving ELSS fund
Liquid loans
Your strategy of monthly SIPs and lump sum investments is a balanced approach, but there are a few points you should consider to optimise it.

Assessing the Current Funds
Here’s a detailed look at the types of funds you're investing in and their potential for growth:

Small-Cap Funds: Small-cap funds tend to offer high returns but come with a higher risk. Given your age, it’s good that you started early. Small caps should ideally constitute around 10-15% of your total portfolio due to their volatility. You can continue your SIPs here, but I would suggest focusing on more balanced funds as you approach retirement.

Large and Mid-Cap Funds: These are relatively safer than small-cap funds and can generate steady returns. As you near retirement, it's wise to increase your allocation to large and mid-cap funds, as they are less volatile and offer more stable growth. These funds should make up a larger portion of your portfolio (at least 30-40%).

Multi-Cap Fund: This type of fund provides exposure across large, mid, and small-cap companies. It’s a good diversification tool. You can maintain this as a core part of your portfolio.

Sector-Specific Fund (Energy): Sector-specific funds can be highly volatile as they depend on the performance of a particular industry. While these can give significant returns during an industry boom, they also carry high risk. As you get closer to retirement, it might be prudent to limit your exposure to sector funds. Consider gradually shifting this amount into more balanced funds.

ELSS (Tax Saver Fund): ELSS funds are a great way to save on taxes under Section 80C and generate long-term capital appreciation. However, as this is an equity-based investment, its returns can be volatile in the short term. You may want to continue this for tax benefits but avoid adding too much to it close to retirement.

Liquid Loans: While this is a low-risk investment, it may not provide returns that align with your long-term goals. Since you already have significant exposure to equity through your SIPs, liquid loans can be retained for liquidity but shouldn’t be the focus for long-term wealth creation.

Optimising Your Portfolio for Retirement
As you have 13 years until retirement, it's essential to ensure that your portfolio gradually shifts from high-risk, high-reward options to more stable ones. Here’s how you can optimise it:

Gradually reduce exposure to small-cap and sector-specific funds as you near retirement. While these funds are great for growth, they can be too volatile for someone approaching retirement. By the time you are 55, your exposure to these funds should be minimal.

Increase your allocation to large-cap and balanced funds. These funds provide stability and reasonable returns without the risk of small caps. Large and mid-cap funds, as well as multi-cap funds, should be your focus for the next 10-13 years. This will ensure you don’t lose your wealth to sudden market dips.

Top-Up Strategy: You mentioned you regularly do top-ups on your investments. It’s a great practice, but make sure you’re topping up in funds that are balanced or stable, especially as you move closer to retirement. I would suggest diverting top-ups to large-cap or balanced funds.

Lump Sum Investment: You have a lump sum of Rs 8-10 lakhs that you want to invest. Since you are already heavily invested in equity funds, you should consider diversifying into debt funds to reduce risk. A combination of balanced funds (with a mix of equity and debt) would provide stability while still offering growth. Avoid parking this entire amount into small-cap or sectoral funds due to their higher risk.

Corpus Expectations at Retirement
Predicting the exact corpus at the time of retirement depends on several factors, such as market performance and fund growth. However, based on historical performance, equity mutual funds have provided average returns between 10-12% over the long term. With your diversified portfolio, you could expect a similar range of returns, but it's crucial to stay realistic and plan for conservative outcomes.

Here’s how you can align your expectations:

Equity Investments: If the equity market performs well, your investments in large, mid, and small-cap funds could generate returns in the range of 10-12%. However, volatility is inevitable, and therefore, diversification is crucial.

Debt Investments: By gradually shifting towards debt or balanced funds, you can expect more stable returns (in the range of 6-8%). This will safeguard your corpus as you near retirement.

In 13 years, considering a disciplined investment approach, you can aim for a corpus that comfortably supports your retirement lifestyle. You may want to review your investments every few years and rebalance your portfolio based on market conditions and your risk appetite.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
You didn’t mention index funds in your portfolio, which is good. While index funds are often recommended for their low cost, they come with some disadvantages:

No Flexibility: Index funds follow the market index strictly, which means they cannot capitalise on opportunities when certain stocks are undervalued or avoid overvalued stocks. This lack of flexibility could result in lower returns.

Underperformance in Bear Markets: Index funds mirror the market performance, so in a bear market, they will automatically underperform without any risk management.

No Active Management: Unlike actively managed funds, index funds do not have fund managers who can make strategic investment decisions based on market conditions.

For these reasons, I would suggest continuing with actively managed funds where the fund manager can make informed decisions to maximise your returns.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Investing in direct funds may seem appealing due to their lower expense ratios. However, there are some critical disadvantages:

Lack of Guidance: Direct plans require you to make all the investment decisions yourself, which can be overwhelming without professional guidance. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) help you navigate the complex world of investments.

Missed Opportunities: A Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who is also a CFP can guide you towards funds that suit your long-term goals. Without this expertise, you might miss out on better-performing funds.

Higher Risk of Mistakes: Direct investors may make emotional or uninformed decisions, especially during market volatility. This can negatively impact long-term wealth creation.

Final Insights
You have a well-structured investment portfolio that is geared towards long-term growth. However, as you approach retirement, it's essential to gradually reduce risk and focus on stability. Balancing your equity exposure with more stable funds will ensure that you have a solid corpus at retirement.

To summarise:

Gradually shift from small-cap and sector-specific funds to large-cap and balanced funds.

Continue topping up in more stable, diversified funds.

Use your lump sum investment in balanced funds rather than high-risk options.

Review and rebalance your portfolio every 2-3 years.

Stick to actively managed funds for better flexibility and higher potential returns.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistic_investment_planners/

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 18, 2024

Money
Sir, Im 45 year old and I will be retiring at the age of 58 and I have been investing in following SIP. 1. Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund – GROWTH investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2021 and I even do top up. 2. Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund – GROWTH - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2021 and I even do top up. 3. Canara Robeco Emerging Equities - Regular Plan – GROWTH - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2017 and I even do top up. 4. Franklin India Multi Cap Fund – Growth – invested lumpsum of Rs.1,00,000/- in 2024 and I even do top up. 5. HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund - Regular Growth Plan - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2018 and I even do top up. 6. ICICI PRUDENTIAL ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES FUND – Growth - invested lumpsum of Rs.1,00,000/- in 2024 and I even do top up. 7. ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund – Growth - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2021 and I even do top up. 8. Kotak Bluechip Fund – Growth - invested lumpsum of Rs.50,000/- in 2024 and I even do top up. 9. Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver Fund-Growth Option - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2017 and I even do top up. 10. Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Growth Plan - Growth Option - investing Rs.2000/- every month since 2024 and I even do top up. And I even invested Rs. 50,000/- in Liquiloan And I even want to invest lumpsum amout of Rs. 8 to 10 lacs in which of the above stock should I invest pls suggest and how much corpus can i expect at the time of retirement
Ans: You’ve structured a diverse investment portfolio which spans across small-cap, large-cap, multi-cap, and sectoral funds. This is commendable as it provides the necessary exposure to multiple growth areas of the market. At 45 years old, with 13 years left until retirement, you are in a critical phase where your investments should strike a balance between growth and stability. While your portfolio is already on the right path, there are several areas where you can optimize for better returns and reduced risks.

Let’s dive into a comprehensive analysis of your investments, their potential, and how you can further improve your portfolio.

Diversification of Funds
Currently, your portfolio is invested across various mutual fund categories, which include small-cap, large-cap, multi-cap, and sector-specific funds. While this provides diversification, it is crucial to evaluate if the overlap between similar categories (like having two small-cap funds) could result in over-concentration in one segment of the market.

Small-Cap Funds: These are known for higher volatility but potential high returns in the long run. However, investing in multiple small-cap funds could increase your risk exposure to market fluctuations, especially in periods of economic downturns when small-caps tend to suffer more. Having two small-cap funds could lead to duplication in performance and risk.

What you can do: Rather than having multiple funds in the same category, streamline your portfolio by focusing on a limited number of funds in each category. For instance, one small-cap fund is sufficient to capture this segment’s growth. Diversifying within other market segments or asset classes would offer better risk mitigation.

Growth vs. Stability
You’re currently at a stage where both growth and capital preservation are important. Small-cap and mid-cap funds tend to deliver higher returns over the long term, but they also come with increased volatility. As you get closer to retirement, the focus should slowly shift towards more stable investments that offer lower risk.

What you can do:
Continue investing in small-cap and mid-cap funds for now, but after 5 to 7 years, consider increasing your allocation towards large-cap and multi-cap funds. These offer more stability and are less affected by market volatility compared to small-cap funds.
Lump Sum Investment Strategy
You have Rs 8-10 lakhs available for lump sum investment. It's important to allocate this amount in a way that complements your existing portfolio without significantly increasing your risk exposure.

Large-Cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies that are less volatile compared to mid- and small-cap funds. Allocating a significant portion of your lump sum into large-cap funds will offer you stability and consistent returns over time.

Multi-Cap Funds: These funds invest across market segments—large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap—and provide flexibility. They adjust based on market conditions, thus giving you balanced growth. This could be a good place to park a part of your lump sum as they can help mitigate risk.

Sectoral Funds: You’ve already invested in a sector-specific fund like the ICICI Prudential Energy Opportunities Fund. Sectoral funds tend to have higher risks as they depend on the performance of a particular sector. For example, if the energy sector underperforms, this fund will suffer. Therefore, it's better not to concentrate more of your lump sum in sectoral funds.

What you can do:
Consider investing around 40% of your lump sum in large-cap funds, 30% in multi-cap funds, and the remaining 30% in a more stable option like debt mutual funds or a balanced hybrid fund. This allocation will provide both growth and safety.

Regular SIPs vs. Lump Sum
SIPs help average out the cost of investment over time and are an excellent strategy for long-term wealth creation. On the other hand, lump sum investments, especially during market lows, can yield good returns if timed well. However, trying to time the market can be risky.

What you can do:
Continue with your regular SIPs, as they provide disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging. For your lump sum investment, consider deploying it through a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP). This will allow you to invest a lump sum in a liquid or debt fund and gradually transfer it into equity funds, reducing the risk of market volatility.

Tax Efficiency
Your investment in the Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver Fund helps you save on taxes under Section 80C. ELSS funds are great for tax-saving purposes, but they come with a 3-year lock-in period, which limits liquidity. Having more than one ELSS fund in your portfolio could unnecessarily lock up a large part of your capital.

What you can do:
Stick to one ELSS fund for your tax-saving requirements. Avoid over-allocating to this category, as it could reduce your portfolio’s liquidity. Instead, focus on diversified funds that offer both tax benefits and liquidity.

Liquidity and Emergency Funds
Although you have Rs 50,000 invested in Liquiloans, it's important to ensure that you have sufficient liquid assets available for emergencies. Liquiloans provide relatively stable returns compared to market-linked funds, but they also carry certain risks, which I will discuss in more detail below. It's essential to balance liquidity with return expectations to ensure you can meet short-term financial needs without disrupting your long-term goals.

Disadvantages and Risks in Liquiloans
While Liquiloans offer an attractive investment option for those looking for relatively low-risk, fixed-income investments, they come with their own set of risks and drawbacks. Here's what you should be aware of:

Credit Risk: Liquiloans involve lending money to individuals or businesses. The risk is that the borrower might default on their loan, leading to potential loss of capital for the lender (i.e., you). While Liquiloan platforms often conduct credit checks, no investment is entirely risk-free.

Liquidity Risk: Liquiloans are not as liquid as traditional investments like mutual funds or fixed deposits. If you need access to your money quickly, withdrawing from a Liquiloan can be difficult. This is because loan repayments follow a specific schedule, and premature exits may incur penalties or delays.

Interest Rate Risk: Interest rates in Liquiloans can fluctuate based on market conditions or changes in economic policy. If interest rates decline, your returns from Liquiloans might also reduce. In contrast, your returns are generally more stable in debt mutual funds.

Platform Risk: Liquiloan platforms themselves may face operational or financial difficulties, which could affect your investment. If the platform fails, it may result in delays or even loss of capital. It’s crucial to ensure that the platform you choose is financially stable and has a strong track record.

Diversification Risk: Investing a large portion of your capital in Liquiloans could lead to concentration risk. As it’s a relatively niche product, having too much invested in this area can reduce the overall diversification of your portfolio, increasing your risk profile.

What you can do:
Limit your exposure to Liquiloans. Keep it to a small portion of your portfolio, and consider reallocating some funds to more liquid and secure options like liquid mutual funds or fixed-income instruments. These alternatives offer better liquidity and potentially less risk.

Corpus Expectation at Retirement
It's important to assess how much you can expect at retirement based on your current investments. Although exact returns are difficult to predict due to market volatility, you can expect significant growth given your current investment strategy. Assuming an average annual return of 12% on equity investments, your SIPs and lump sum investments could grow substantially over the next 13 years.

However, to maintain a more accurate and stable financial projection, it would be wise to review your portfolio every few years. Adjustments in asset allocation may be needed as you approach retirement to ensure that your capital is preserved while still allowing for growth.

What you can do:
Set clear retirement goals and work towards achieving a target corpus based on your expected lifestyle needs. You may want to consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide a more detailed analysis and ensure that you’re on track for retirement.

Fund Selection and Regular Plans
Your decision to invest through regular plans instead of direct plans is a smart move, especially if you are relying on professional advice. Regular plans come with a slightly higher expense ratio, but the value of having expert guidance can often outweigh the cost difference. Direct plans require investors to manage their portfolios themselves, which can be challenging for those without deep market knowledge.

What you can do:
Stick to regular plans, especially since you are benefiting from professional advice and monitoring. It’s essential to have expert input as you grow your portfolio, particularly when retirement is approaching. Avoid the temptation to switch to direct plans purely for lower costs, as this could compromise your overall financial strategy.

Final Insights
You have structured a strong and diversified portfolio that aligns well with your goals. However, there are a few key areas where you can improve your investment strategy for even better results:

Streamline your portfolio: Consider reducing overlap in small-cap funds and diversify into other categories.
Focus on growth for now, but plan for stability: Continue with your current strategy, but gradually increase your exposure to large-cap and stable funds as you approach retirement.
Deploy your lump sum wisely: Allocate your Rs 8-10 lakh across large-cap, multi-cap, and hybrid funds for balanced growth and risk management.
Watch your liquidity needs: Ensure you have enough liquid assets to cover short-term goals or emergencies. Limit your exposure to Liquiloans due to the risks involved.
Review your portfolio regularly: Work with a Certified Financial Planner to keep your asset allocation in check, especially as retirement nears.
With these strategies, you are well on your way to securing a solid financial future while mitigating risks.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7712 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Career
Sir, i scored 90.41%le in jee mains and im in st category but failed in one subject (physics) in ts ipe ( 12th board) with 63.9 % criteria ( st - 65% criteria required) i went through supplymentry exam and got passed that one subject with 65.8% but, still my seat got cancelled in josaa counselling, what can i do now sir!?
Ans: Banavath, JoSAA deems candidates eligible for NIT+IIIT+GFTI seats only if they both hold a valid JEE-Main rank and have passed Class XII with at least 65% aggregate in PCM plus two other subjects for SC/ST categories. Supplementary-exam results are acceptable, but the revised marksheet must reach the virtual reporting centre before the document-verification deadline; otherwise the verifying officer flags “not passed,” auto-generating a seat-cancellation letter. Because your corrected 65.8% marks arrived after the verification window, the system removed you from further JoSAA rounds. Immediately email the JoSAA help-desk: josaa(at)iitk.ac.in with the new marksheet and cancellation letter, requesting reopening of your file; if the authority declines, register for the CSAB-2025 special rounds, which honour the same 65% rule and accept fresh documents. Failing that, use state counselling in Telangana/AP or private-university quotas that recognise JEE-Main ranks, as supplementary passes satisfy their eligibility too.

Recommendation:
Upload the revised marksheet and lodge a written grievance with JoSAA’s help-desk today; if reinstatement is denied, enter CSAB special rounds with updated documents, then parallel-apply to state engineering and accredited private institutes to secure a 2025-26 seat while preserving your JEE-Main advantage. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7712 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7712 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Career
Hi can you please advice if ISE or Computer Science & Business systems branch is better in NITTE meenakshi college bangalore. Any idea about Faculty for these 2 CS allied branches? How about placement opportunities for ISE & CSBS . Will these CS specialised curriculum at par with CSE Branch? will industry accept CSBS for Software developer roles?
Ans: Narayana, NITTE Meenakshi Institute of Technology offers both Information Science and Engineering (ISE) and Computer Science and Business Systems (CSBS) programs with distinct advantages. ISE, established in 2001, provides a comprehensive software-focused curriculum with NBA Tier-1 accreditation and extensive research opportunities in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity. The department features experienced faculty including Dr. Mohan SG as Head, with strong industry connections through companies like Unisys and McAfee. CSBS, a newer program developed in collaboration with TCS, combines computer science fundamentals with business systems knowledge, preparing students for NextGen business engineering roles. The curriculum is industry-tailored by TCS experts who conduct periodic sessions on emerging technologies, with faculty trained through TCS's "Train the Trainer" program.

Five Critical Institutional Aspects:

1. Accreditation & Rankings: NMIT holds NBA Tier-1 accreditation for ISE (valid until 2026-27), NAAC A+ grade, and ranks 101-150 in NIRF 2024.

2. Infrastructure: The 23-acre campus features state-of-the-art laboratories, exclusive research facilities, AR/VR/MR labs, IoT centers, departmental libraries, and 11 Centers of Excellence including quantum computing and cybersecurity.

3. Faculty Quality: ISE department has highly qualified faculty with extensive research experience and industry collaboration, while CSBS faculty are TCS-trained with periodic expert visits.

4. Industry Collaboration: Strong partnerships with TCS for CSBS, Unisys, Dell, Amazon, and Microsoft for placements and internships.

5. Placement Performance: 2024 statistics show ISE achieving 88.37% placement rate with average package Rs 7.2 LPA, while overall institutional placement rate reached 94.3% with highest package Rs 47 LPA.

Pros and Cons Comparison:

CSBS Advantages: Direct TCS collaboration ensures industry relevance, business-oriented curriculum bridges technology-business gap, emerging field with high demand, specialized training in analytics and machine learning, strong placement prospects in consulting roles.

ISE Advantages: Established department with proven track record, extensive research opportunities, broader technical scope, higher current placement rates, NBA accreditation, diverse career paths in software development and cybersecurity.

CSBS Disadvantages: Newer program with limited track record, fewer research opportunities compared to ISE, curriculum heavily dependent on TCS partnership, limited higher education options specifically in CSBS.

ISE Disadvantages: More traditional approach, potentially less business-oriented curriculum, higher competition due to established nature, may require additional business skills development for consulting roles.

Industry acceptance for software developer roles is strong for both branches. Companies recruiting CSE students typically allow ISE students to participate in the same placement drives, with minimal differentiation in software development positions. CSBS graduates are specifically designed for business engineering roles and are increasingly accepted by major IT companies including Amazon, Deloitte, Microsoft, and TCS for software development, business analyst, and data scientist positions.

Recommendation: Choose CSBS if you're interested in combining technical skills with business acumen and prefer industry-tailored curriculum with direct corporate mentorship. Select ISE if you prioritize established academic reputation, extensive research opportunities, and broader technical foundation with proven placement success. Both programs offer excellent software developer career prospects, with CSBS providing additional business system expertise and ISE offering deeper technical specialization. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7712 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2025Hindi
Shalini

Shalini Singh  |165 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 01, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Mam, I am in relationship with one girl since 2.5 year and my girlfriend told about our relationship to her mom. Every positive point of mine which told by my girlfriend to her mom but every point taken negetivly and denied to her.. Move on from relationship... Leave this relationship. He is not good boy.. The problem of her mother is the caste as well as I am Divorcee person and she is unmarried. We love to each other and want to marry. Due to her mother oppose, she is nervousness totally or told that she has no any idea what to do... How to do.. She is not sure she is convince to her family or not. She told that I don't know how much time she can servive to convince her family. Totally her mind felt like empty, dumb, nervousness. Her father not know about our relationship. When this type moment occurs she behave that sometime it is agree to make efforts for convince and sometime when she is nervousness that time she told that i can not convince and to do the breakup because she is not want to go against the her mom and family. But she told that also she want to marry with me. What should I do?
Ans: I am going with the assumption you both are adults who are thinking individuals. I am also assuming you are both financially independent.

Families, parents are important and it should be so. I understand parents apprehension, having said this, I do not get it why caste and relationship status as previously married takes precedence over compatibility. One should also realise that every relationship needs working upon by 2 people- there is no certainty if someone gets married within their caste or choice of parents/ family.

Coming to your issue there are 2 options

- she is open to take the step upsetting her parents and getting married to you

or

- she and you need to move on and move on in the true sense. which means no connection whatsoever, move out of each other's social media, block contact details and move on, heal yourself and find someone else.

in case you wish to connect you may schedule an interaction with me here https://andwemet.com/relationship-guidance

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