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Nikunj

Nikunj Saraf  |308 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds Expert - Answered on Nov 29, 2022

Nikunj Saraf has more than five years of experience in financial markets and offers advice about mutual funds. He is vice president at Choice Wealth, a financial institution that offers broking, insurance, loans and government advisory services. Saraf, who is a member of the Institute Of Chartered Accountants of India, has a strong base in financial markets and wealth management.... more
Gurudas Question by Gurudas on Nov 29, 2022Hindi
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I am a 59 year old and would like to invest Rs 200,000/PM in the SIPs for a good return of 12-15% over a period of 5 years.
Can you please suggest the good MF's which can meet my expectations>

Ans: Hello Gurudas Naik. In light of your age, I would advise you not to invest your major proportion in equity funds. Based on your requirements, you may refer to the following schemes with a low to moderate risk appetite:

  • HDFC Balance Advantage Fund
  • ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund
  • Nippon India Large Cap Fund
  • Kotak Equity Opportunities Fund
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  |8206 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 16, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I am 44 year old & want to invest in SIP @ amount Rs.5000/- per month for 15 yrs. Please suggest some SIP which is good for long term return.
Ans: Investing in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a wise decision for securing your financial future. At 44 years old, you have a 15-year horizon for your SIP investment of Rs. 5000 per month. This long-term approach can yield significant returns due to the power of compounding. Let's explore how you can optimize your SIP investment strategy.

Genuine Compliments and Understanding
Your decision to invest regularly and plan for the long-term is commendable. It's never too late to start, and your foresight will benefit you greatly in the years to come.

Understanding SIPs and Their Benefits
What is a SIP?
A SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in a mutual fund scheme. This methodical investment helps in building wealth over time without the stress of market volatility.

Benefits of SIPs
Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs reduce the risk of market volatility by averaging the cost of your investments over time.
Power of Compounding: Regular investments grow exponentially due to compounding, especially over a long period.
Financial Discipline: SIPs inculcate a habit of regular saving and investing.
Evaluating Your Financial Goals
Long-Term Goals
Your primary goal is to achieve a substantial corpus after 15 years. This corpus can serve various purposes such as retirement, children's education, or other financial aspirations.

Selecting the Right Mutual Funds for SIP
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds are suitable for long-term investments due to their potential for higher returns. These funds invest in stocks of companies, aiming for capital appreciation.

Types of Equity Funds
Large-Cap Funds: Invest in large, established companies with a stable performance history.
Mid-Cap Funds: Invest in medium-sized companies with high growth potential but slightly higher risk.
Small-Cap Funds: Invest in smaller companies that can offer high returns but come with higher risk.
Multi-Cap Funds: Invest in companies of all sizes, providing a balanced approach to risk and return.
Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds track a specific index and offer average returns matching the index performance. They lack the flexibility to adapt to market changes.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, guided by professional fund managers, aim to outperform the market. Fund managers make strategic decisions based on market analysis, potentially offering higher returns.

Importance of Professional Guidance
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. They help in selecting the right mix of funds to optimize your investment portfolio.

Diversification for Risk Management
Diversified Portfolio
Diversifying your investments across various types of equity funds mitigates risk. A well-diversified portfolio balances potential high returns with the stability of safer investments.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for Future Stability
As you approach your financial goals, consider a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) to withdraw your investments in a structured manner. This ensures a steady income stream without depleting your corpus rapidly.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Investment
Regular Review
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Market conditions and personal financial situations change, and your investment strategy should adapt accordingly.

Rebalancing
Rebalance your portfolio if certain funds significantly outperform or underperform. This maintains the desired asset allocation and risk level.

Tax Efficiency
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning enhances your returns. Equity mutual funds held for more than a year qualify for long-term capital gains tax, which is lower than short-term gains tax.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Maintaining an Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This safeguards against unforeseen financial needs without disturbing your investments.

Adequate Insurance Coverage
Having adequate health and life insurance protects your financial plan. Insurance coverage ensures that unexpected medical expenses or unfortunate events do not derail your financial goals.

Conclusion
Your decision to invest Rs. 5000 per month in SIPs for 15 years is a strategic move towards financial security. By selecting the right equity mutual funds and diversifying your portfolio, you can achieve substantial returns. Regular monitoring, tax planning, and professional guidance will further enhance your investment strategy.

Your commitment to investing for the long-term is commendable. With careful planning and disciplined execution, you can achieve your financial aspirations and secure a stable future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8206 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir, i am 33yrs old and new to investment. I am planning to do SIP for long term next 15 to 20 years. What are the best MF for me to invest? Kindly help sir.
Ans: Starting Your Investment Journey
It's fantastic that you're starting your investment journey at 33. Investing in SIPs for the long term is a smart and disciplined approach.

Benefits of SIPs
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) help inculcate a habit of regular investing. They provide the advantage of rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding. Over 15 to 20 years, these benefits can significantly grow your wealth.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have professional managers who make strategic decisions to maximize returns. Unlike index funds, which simply track market indices, actively managed funds adapt to market conditions. This can result in better performance and higher returns.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds have lower costs but lack flexibility. They often underperform during volatile market conditions. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can adjust their strategies to navigate market fluctuations effectively.

Benefits of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides expert guidance. They can help select the right funds based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Regular funds invested through a CFP offer professional management and strategic oversight.

Diversifying Your Portfolio
Diversification is key to managing risk and optimizing returns. A well-diversified portfolio includes a mix of equity, debt, and balanced funds. This spread reduces the impact of market volatility on your overall investment.

Equity Funds for Growth
Equity funds invest in stocks and are suitable for long-term growth. They tend to offer higher returns compared to other funds but come with higher risk. Investing in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds can provide balanced growth.

Debt Funds for Stability
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and government securities. They offer stability and lower risk compared to equity funds. Including debt funds in your portfolio ensures a steady return and reduces overall risk.

Balanced Funds for Moderate Growth
Balanced funds, or hybrid funds, invest in both equity and debt. They provide a balance of growth and stability. These funds are suitable for investors looking for moderate returns with controlled risk.

Regular Portfolio Review
Regularly reviewing your portfolio is crucial. Market conditions and your financial goals can change over time. A CFP can help you rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.

Increasing SIP Contributions
As your income grows, consider increasing your SIP contributions. Even small incremental increases can significantly boost your investment corpus over time. The power of compounding will amplify these contributions, leading to substantial growth.

Avoiding Common Investment Pitfalls
Avoid making emotional investment decisions. Stick to your long-term plan and avoid reacting to short-term market fluctuations. Regular consultation with a CFP ensures you stay on track towards your financial goals.

Building an Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This fund provides financial security and prevents the need to withdraw investments during emergencies.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
Your decision to invest in SIPs for the long term is wise. Focus on actively managed funds for better returns. Diversify your portfolio with a mix of equity, debt, and balanced funds. Regularly review and increase your SIP contributions, and maintain an emergency fund. Consulting with a CFP ensures professional guidance and helps you achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Janak

Janak Patel  |29 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 2025

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Hello sir, im a doctor 37year.started practising last year. So no previous investment. I want suggestion for investment and regarding nps . Should I opt nps or go for mutual funds.. as I can't keep track on stocks. Please guide . I have corpus for child .and want retirement funds good for my standard
Ans: Hi Dr.

As you can't keep track of stocks, lets rule out direct stock/equity investment.

NPS - its a good tool for people who want regular income during retirement as pension. So thru your earning life you contribute to NPS and save for the future - contributions are until retirement age. There are prescribed allocation to Equity and Debt funds (similar to mutual fund schemes) that are managed by Fund managers. On retirement age you can withdraw 60% of the funds without any tax liability (its an option) and the remaining funs in the NPS will provide you with pension income. The pension income is considered a source of income in your hand and hence taxable as per prevailing tax laws.

Mutual fund - this investment option doesn't have a time limit for you to contribute. The allocation to different type of Mutual fund schemes are also at the discretion of the investor. Some schemes like ELSS do provide tax benefit under old tax regime. The withdrawal from Mutual funds do have tax implications but they are consider more tax efficient as they are not considered as income. Tax is on the gains (capital gains) only. Regular income can be derived from Mutual funds at the time of retirement using SWP (Systematic withdrawal plan) option or withdrawing a lumpsum amount - its flexible and again at the discretion of the investor.

I would recommend you consult a CFP, who can help prepare a personalized Financial plan for your requirements. A CFP will do a detailed study of your requirements, preferences and also do a risk assessment. This will include all your requirements and provide you with options and alternatives and recommend the right product mix to achieve them. You will need to have a plan of investment that meets your goals (retirement and child specific), plan risk covers for securing future of your family (Life and health) and consider tax implications of investing and subsequent utilization of the corpus for goals. So its an elaborate plan that will be personalized for you which will help you understand the right time for retirement and what to expect pre and post retirement.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

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Janak

Janak Patel  |29 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 25, 2025Hindi
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I am 40 yr old divorced man with a 10 year old son. I live in my own house in a tier 2 city. I have savings of around 5 Cr and no liabilities. I am expecting to live until I am 80. Can I retire now expecting 3 lac monthly income matching inflation for the rest of my life? I have accounted my son's education, medical insurance and yearly vacation in India. Would that be enough? If not, then how much should I save until I turn 45 yr old. Thank you!
Ans: Hi,

At age of 40, you have already accumulated 5 Cr with no liabilities and your own house, that is a tremendous achievement.

The monthly income of 3 lakhs (inflation adjusted) for 40 years - as mentioned will cover your requirements of son's education, medical insurance and vacation. If we assume inflation of 6% and average return on your corpus of 12% over the next 40 years, you will require approximately 6 Cr (not considering tax implications).

Please understand this amount will be exhausted over the next 40 years, so if you plan to leave behind any legacy for your son/grand children then you will need more.

Also your corpus amount needs to be well diversified into aggressive and conservative investments to support your monthly requirements over the next 40 years. Please consult a CFP for guidance in this matter as along with your monthly income expectation, you will need to plan for tax implications. The overall strategy for investment and subsequent withdrawal needs to be planned taking all these factors into consideration. A CFP will be able to craft your personalized plan to meet your requirements and provide options and alternatives to achieve them.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

...Read more

Janak

Janak Patel  |29 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 24, 2025Hindi
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Money
I want guidance on retirement planning. Having corpus of 3 CR in liquid, 45l savings in FD. With no bank loans and own home. Have 2 more houses and getting rent of 37k .Kids are in class 1 and class 0 I need to provide support for their education which might overall cost around 2 CR. Is my corpus enough to retire now and take care of cost of living. My age is 37 years. My monthly expense is around 1.5 lakhs. I have medical insurance policy of 20 lakhs. And I have two polices like yearly 10L for next 5 years for the kids
Ans: Hi,

Current state of your finances
Liquid Corpus - 3 Cr
Savings FD - 45 lakhs
Rent income - 37000

Monthly expenses - 1.5 lakhs

If we consider the above, then the monthly expenses will be covered for about 35 years (assuming inflation of 5-6% and average returns of 8%). This doesn't include the education expenses for your 2 children.

Retirement is now typically planned for up to age of 85 years (i.e. 43 years for you). Hence in your situation you have a challenge to support monthly expenses for retirement and children education.

You have 2 more houses and without knowing your intent for their usage/sale and their value it becomes difficult to indicate if they would be sufficient to support the 2 major goals you have listed.
Also with current lifestyle and medical expenses, the health insurance of 20 lakhs may need to be ramped up to a much higher amount.
Also you have not shared much details of your Insurance policies to understand if they are the appropriate ones and if the risk cover is sufficient.

Another important aspect to consider for early retirement is - how will you keep yourself occupied. You will have a lot of time on hand and do you plan to monetize your time by engaging in some financially rewarding activities. This will also have an impact on the overall state of your well-being - financially and psychologically.

I would highly recommend that you consult with a CFP who can guide you with a well defined Financial plan, this will include all your requirements and provide you with options and alternatives. You will need to have a plan of investment that meets your goals, plan risk covers for securing future of your family (Life and health) and consider tax implications of investing and subsequent utilization of the corpus for goals. So its an elaborate plan that will be personalized for you which will help you understand the right time for retirement and what to expect pre and post retirement.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |317 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Apr 10, 2025

Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |317 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Apr 10, 2025

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What is minimum requirement for a Tamilnadu state board student to enter mbbs in AFMC?
Ans: Hi Ani,

Regardless of whether you are from Tamil Nadu or another state, there are certain requirements you must fulfill. First, you need to be eligible for NEET. After that, you must pass the AFMC entrance test, and finally, you need to meet the medical fitness standards.

Most importantly, you are required to serve the nation for a specific period after completing your studies. Age criteria are also significant.
Please see the requirements outlined below:
Age: 17-24yrs
Academic qualitfication: FIRST ATTEMPT with English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology/ Bio-technology taken simultaneously and securing not less than 60% of the aggregate marks in these three science subjects taken together and not less than 50% marks in English and 50% marks in each of the science subjects. They must have also passed an examination in Mathematics of the tenth standard.
Candidates seeking admission for MBBS course at AFMC Pune will have to mandatorily qualify the NEET UG 2024 Examination conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA). 11. Eligible candidates who are interested to join AFMC, Pune to pursue the MBBS course will have to mandatorily register and apply for AFMC, Pune on DGHS

The shortlisted candidates will be called for screening which comprises of Test of English Language and Reasoning (ToELR), Psychological Assessment Test (PAT), Interview and Medical Examination at AFMC, Pune.

ToELR & PAT - Test of English Language and Reasoning (ToELR) in the form of Computer Based Test (CBT) and also Psychological Assessment Test (PAT) to be conducted at AFMC, Pune only for candidates shortlisted for interview. (t) Written Examination Score - Score obtained in NEET (UG) 2024 (720 marks) added to ToELR Score (80 marks) divided by 4 to get a score out of 200. (u) Final Score - Written examination score (200 marks) + Interview marks (50 marks).

MEDICAL FITNESS: MANDATORY AS PER AFMC

POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8206 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I'm 41 years old. My portforlio consist of 27L in mutual funds, 35L in stocks and 5L in NPS. I want to have a corpus of 30cr by 60. My monthly mutual fund SIP is 1.2L and NPS is 20K. Can you advise if my curent SIP will help in achieving my desired corpus by 60.
Ans: You are 41 and aiming for a Rs. 30 crore corpus by age 60. That gives you 19 years to build your wealth. You have a strong monthly SIP of Rs. 1.2L in mutual funds and Rs. 20K in NPS, which shows high commitment. Let’s analyse in detail whether your current strategy is enough, and what changes, if any, are needed.

Portfolio Snapshot
Age: 41

Goal: Rs. 30 crore by age 60 (retirement corpus)

Current Investments:

Mutual Funds: Rs. 27L

Stocks (direct equity): Rs. 35L

NPS: Rs. 5L

Monthly Investment:

Mutual Fund SIP: Rs. 1.2L

NPS Contribution: Rs. 20K

360-Degree Assessment: Can You Reach Rs. 30 Crores?
Let us now break your journey into parts:

1. Time Horizon – You Have 19 Years
That’s a decent long-term window.

Compounding will support you well over this period.

However, the earlier years are more powerful.

Your current age requires disciplined allocation, with some risk.

2. Current Corpus – Rs. 67L in Total
Mutual funds: Rs. 27L

Stocks: Rs. 35L

NPS: Rs. 5L

Total: Rs. 67L

This base amount gives you a strong head start.

You are not starting from zero. That’s an advantage.

3. Monthly Contribution – Rs. 1.4L Combined
Rs. 1.2L in mutual fund SIPs

Rs. 20K in NPS

That’s Rs. 16.8L per year

Over 19 years, that’s Rs. 3.19 crore invested capital

Now the key is the return you generate

4. Required Growth Rate – Let’s Evaluate That
To grow Rs. 67L + Rs. 3.2 crore to Rs. 30 crore in 19 years,

You’ll need an average return around 13% to 14% annually.

That’s achievable, but not guaranteed.

It depends on:

Fund categories

Asset allocation

Risk management

Market behaviour

5. Mutual Fund SIP – Is It Positioned Well?
You are doing Rs. 1.2L monthly in mutual funds.

It’s important to know how this SIP is spread:

Large-cap funds?

Flexi-cap funds?

Midcap, small-cap, or focused funds?

Any sectoral or thematic funds?

You need a strong tilt towards equity for this goal.

A suggested split (approximate):

40% flexi-cap + large-cap for stability

40% mid-cap and small-cap for growth

20% focused or thematic for alpha potential

SIP in actively managed funds through a Certified Financial Planner is key.

Avoid direct funds. They don’t offer ongoing reviews and rebalancing.

6. Stock Portfolio – Rs. 35L
Direct equity adds potential for high returns.

But it also adds volatility and risk.

Ask yourself:

Is your stock portfolio diversified?

Are you tracking and rebalancing regularly?

Do you have exposure to quality sectors?

Are you avoiding over-concentration?

A well-researched, long-term approach is needed.

If your equity portfolio underperforms, it will impact the 30 crore target.

7. NPS Contribution – Rs. 20K Monthly
NPS is good for disciplined retirement investing.

It gives tax benefits and partial equity exposure.

But it has liquidity restrictions till 60.

NPS equity cap is 75% (tier I) – may not match mutual fund returns.

Don’t depend on NPS alone for growth.

Use it as a stable secondary engine.

8. Inflation Consideration – A Hidden Threat
Over 19 years, inflation can reduce the purchasing power of money.

Your Rs. 30 crore should be inflation-adjusted.

So, real value might be around Rs. 10 crore in today’s money.

That’s still a strong and ambitious target.

9. Risk Management – Vital in This Journey
You are aiming high. So, managing downside risk is critical.

Follow asset allocation and rebalancing.

Add short-term debt or arbitrage funds gradually for stability.

Stay diversified across sectors and market caps.

Use SWP approach after 60 to withdraw smartly.

10. Things You Must Review Annually
Fund performance – replace consistent underperformers.

Asset allocation – rebalance equity vs. debt mix.

Goal progress – are you on track or lagging?

Market trend – adjust SIPs, if needed, during prolonged downtrends.

Tax planning – optimise long-term capital gains and exemptions.

11. Avoid These Common Mistakes
Over-exposure to single stock or single sector.

Stopping SIPs during a market fall.

Investing in direct mutual funds without professional guidance.

Reacting emotionally to market volatility.

Ignoring NPS or mutual fund reviews for many years.

12. Strategies That Will Help You Reach 30 Crores
Stay fully invested in equity-oriented funds for at least 14-15 years.

Use staggered allocation in mutual funds through SIP and STP.

Review your SIP growth annually and increase if surplus exists.

Keep emergency funds separate. Don't touch your investment portfolio.

Avoid ULIPs, endowment plans, or investment-linked insurance.

13. Should You Increase Your SIP Further?
Yes, if you can spare more each year, do step-up SIPs.

Even a 10% annual SIP increase will have massive impact.

Try to reach Rs. 2L/month SIP over next 5 years.

That alone can help you comfortably touch Rs. 30 crore or more.

14. Plan for Retirement Withdrawal Now Itself
Once you hit Rs. 30 crore, have a clear exit plan.

Use a bucket strategy post-retirement:

Short-term for next 2 years

Medium-term for 3–5 years

Long-term growth beyond 5 years

This ensures safe, inflation-beating, and tax-efficient retirement income.

Finally
Your current investments are strong and well-disciplined.

But Rs. 30 crore in 19 years needs growth, not just savings.

Equity mutual funds and stocks must stay efficient and well-reviewed.

A 13–14% average return is needed — possible, but needs active monitoring.

Review your SIPs yearly. Increase them as your income grows.

Get portfolio reviews regularly from a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid short-term panic. Think long. Think big. Stay consistent.

With this discipline and structure, yes, you can reach your Rs. 30 crore goal.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...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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