Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6970 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 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
Listen
Money

I am 63 years old retired gov employee. I want to invest in mutual fund around rs 6000. Which one is best mf

Ans: It's commendable that you're thinking about investing at 63. Here's why choosing the "best" mutual fund might not be the answer, and how a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help:

Understanding Your Needs:

Retirement Goal: Your investment goal is likely to generate income and preserve your capital. You might have a lower risk tolerance than someone younger.
Role of a CFP:

Personalized Plan: A CFP can consider your retirement income needs, risk tolerance, and existing investments to create a suitable investment plan.

Asset Allocation: They can recommend an asset allocation with a mix of equity and debt funds. Equity funds can offer growth potential, while debt funds provide stability and income. Actively managed funds involve experienced fund managers who try to pick stocks to outperform the market. Actively managed funds come with higher fees compared to passively managed funds.

Benefits of a CFP:

Expert Guidance: They can suggest a variety of mutual funds based on your risk profile and goals.

Ongoing Support: A CFP can monitor your portfolio and make adjustments as needed to keep it aligned with your evolving needs.

Here's Why "One-Size-Fits-All" Doesn't Work:

Risk Tolerance: A younger investor might handle higher risk for potential growth, while you might prioritize capital preservation.

Investment Goals: Your goal is likely income generation, while someone saving for a house might have a different investment horizon.

Remember:

SIP is a Smart Way to Invest: Consider a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) to invest a fixed amount regularly. Rs. 6,000 per month is a great start!

Review Regularly: Review your portfolio with your CFP (at least annually) to ensure it remains on track.

By consulting a CFP, you can get a personalized plan and potentially invest in a well-diversified portfolio that aligns with your retirement goals!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 12, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 10, 2023Hindi
Listen
Money
I am 50 years old I want to invest in mf . Pl suggest me for suitable fund for me
Ans: Selecting a mutual fund for your investment should depend on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Since you're 50 years old, it's crucial to consider factors like how soon you need the money and how comfortable you are with risk. Here are some suggestions for mutual funds to consider, but please consult with a financial advisor for personalized advice:

Diversified Equity Funds: If you have a longer investment horizon (5+ years) and can tolerate moderate risk, consider diversified equity funds. These funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. Examples include SBI Bluechip Fund, Kotak Flexi Cap Fund, TATA Large & Mid Cap

Balanced Funds: These funds invest in a mix of stocks and bonds, which can provide more stability. They are suitable if you have a moderate risk tolerance and a medium-term investment horizon. HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund and ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund are some options.

Debt Funds and Fixed Rate Instruments: If you're risk-averse and need a regular income stream, debt mutual funds could be appropriate. Also, you can consider other fixed rate instruments like Corporate FDs, Private Bonds, P2P Investments, G-Sec Bonds etc as lucrative interest rate scenario is prevailing in the economy currently and it is good time to lock the money in high yielding debt products.

Index Funds: If you prefer a passive approach to investing, index funds could be a good fit. They aim to replicate the performance of a specific index like the Nifty 50 or Sensex. UTI Nifty Index Fund and HDFC Index Fund - Nifty 50 Plan are some examples.

Diversify your investments across a range of asset classes and different investment avenues as stated above to avoid concertation risk and putting all your eggs in one basket.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6970 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
1 am 50 year old with income of 40000 pm. I want to invest in mutual funds.kindly suggest
Ans: At 50 years old, it’s essential to align your investments with your goals. Consider what you want to achieve with your investments.

Is it retirement planning, creating a safety net, or another goal? Knowing this will guide your investment strategy.

Current Financial Situation

With a monthly income of Rs. 40,000, it’s important to budget wisely. Ensure your monthly expenses, savings, and investments are well balanced.

Allocate a portion of your income to mutual funds after covering essential expenses and an emergency fund.

Choosing the Right Mutual Funds

Mutual funds offer various options, each with different risk levels and returns. It’s crucial to choose funds that match your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Here are some general categories to consider:

Equity Funds: These are suitable for long-term goals. They have higher returns but come with higher risk.

Debt Funds: These are less risky and provide stable returns. Suitable for short to medium-term goals.

Hybrid Funds: These offer a mix of equity and debt. They balance risk and return.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds are handled by professional managers. These managers make strategic decisions to outperform the market.

This can lead to higher returns compared to index funds. They adapt to market changes and identify opportunities.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds require constant monitoring. They need you to actively manage and rebalance your portfolio.

This can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for everyone. Regular funds, through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), offer professional management and advice.

Investment Strategy

Diversify: Spread your investments across different types of funds. This reduces risk and enhances returns.

Regular Investment: Consider a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). This allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Review and Rebalance: Regularly review your portfolio. Ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. Rebalance if necessary.

Steps to Start Investing

Consult a CFP: A Certified Financial Planner can help you create a tailored investment plan. They provide professional advice and manage your portfolio.

Set Up an SIP: Choose the amount you can invest monthly. An SIP ensures disciplined investing.

Monitor Your Investments: Keep track of your investments. Regularly review their performance and make adjustments.

Creating a Balanced Portfolio

Your portfolio should reflect your goals and risk tolerance. At 50, you might prefer a conservative approach.

Consider a mix of equity and debt funds. This ensures growth while protecting your capital.

Emergency Fund

Ensure you have an emergency fund. This should cover at least 6 months of expenses. It protects you from financial setbacks.

Insurance Coverage

Review your insurance coverage. Adequate health and life insurance are crucial. They protect you and your family from unforeseen events.

Final Insights

Investing in mutual funds can be a great way to grow your wealth. Choose funds that match your goals and risk tolerance.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for professional advice. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio.

This ensures your investments remain aligned with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1025 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 05, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career
I'm 18 years old and currently preparing for neet as a dropper student. I'm from bihar but I live in haryana since my childhood. I have a boyfriend, he is doing btech and it has been 1.5 years since we are together we love each other he supports me in everything but the problem here is I lied him about my birthplace and told him that I belong to UP as UP is a bit better place than bihar. Idk i just feel ashamed to tell anyone that I'm from bihar so I just tell everyone that I'm from UP. Now I'm feeling very guilty in my own that I lied to him about such a basic and important thing and yesterday he Also mentioned that his mother never want a bihari girl, and he is a punjabi. I just don't know what should I do how will he react after knowing the truth and also I'm afraid that he will broke up with me.. I'm also having my neet exam in 6 months. I planned that i will tell him after my exam but I'm just feeling too guilty that I'm hiding this thing from him
Ans: Hello.
Keep mum for the next 6-7 months. Keep a safe distance from your boyfriend. Focus only on NEET preparation. Try to excel in NEET. Wait till the results are out. If you score well and get admitted to Govt Medical College, then open up in front of your boyfriend. He and his family members will accept you because you are becoming a doctor! But after taking the NEET examination, if you feel that you can't score as expected, then tell the truth to your boyfriend. If he loves you from the bottom of his heart, he will forgive you. But if not. then you assume that god has saved you from him!
Last but not least:- Dedicate your 24 hours only for NEET preparation. This time will never come in your life again. You can be a KING in just a few days with solid preparation and will get lifelong respect in society. The bright future is in your hands and not in the hands of your boyfriend.
Best of luck with your upcoming NEET Examination.

If satisfied, please like and follow me.
If dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
Thanks.

Radheshyam

...Read more

Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |7 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

Listen
Career
my Son has done BTech in computer Science in 2023 from NIT Jalandhar and campus placed in Indian Fintech and earning 15CTC. He is gaining experience there for more than one year for now. What is advisable for future course go for Masters in USA or any other country or continue with job in India by switching companies. Due to job market crunch he is also preparing for upto Group B level Govt jobs as Plan B. What would be best advice for long term and settling after marriage.
Ans: Please have one directional goal. No dual policy. Let him go for MS from some good American University and after that he can get a good job in USA. No point in switching companies in India. A rolling stone gathers no moss. Forget about Govt. job in India. His talent won't be utilized and there will be routine transfers. So hit the bull's eye. Have a decent GRE and TOEFL score, have three good recommendation from his professors, one good SOP (statement of purpose) and after seeing the GRE score I will suggest the universities. Mostly in all the reputed universities of USA at least one student of mine is there sas a Professor and half of the year I stay in USA. No worries. I am there to counsel him. Only he must fix one aim. No ambiguity. Have unique aim, work hard with proper decision, rest the guidance will be given by me. Recommended more than hundred students to different reputed universities of US right from Princeton to Texas A&M, Clemson to Vermont. Never forget that I AM THERE BY THE SIDE OF YOUR SON LIKE AN INVISIBLE SHADOW TO PROTECT HIM AND GUIDE HIM.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6970 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 05, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I am 39 years old working professional with take home salary of Rs. 2.25 lacs/month. I have taken home loan in last month for Rs. 30 lacs with monthly EMI of Rs. 60k. My monthly House hold expenses are Rs. 50k. From 2022 I am investing Rs. 35k in MF via monthly SIP in ratio of 40:30:20:10 in Large:Mid:small:Debt. I have 2 Sons for 8 years and 3 years respectively. My Goal is to have sufficient corpus for their higher education and to achieve financial independence ASAP. Pl guide..
Ans: Your proactive approach towards securing financial independence and planning for your children’s education is commendable. At 39, you have a robust salary, structured expenses, and disciplined investments. Let's examine your financial standing, assess your goals, and outline strategies for optimal growth and security.

Current Financial Overview
Monthly Income: Rs 2.25 lakh

Home Loan EMI: Rs 60,000 (new loan of Rs 30 lakh)

Household Expenses: Rs 50,000

Monthly SIP in Mutual Funds: Rs 35,000 (split across large, mid, small-cap, and debt funds)

You have taken significant steps with a home purchase and ongoing SIPs. Let’s optimise these resources to achieve financial independence and build a corpus for your children’s education.

Goal-Based Financial Planning
1. Higher Education Corpus for Children
Education expenses rise significantly due to inflation, particularly for quality higher education.

With your sons aged 8 and 3, plan for their higher education in 10-15 years.

To achieve this, increase your SIPs in equity-focused funds. Equities provide inflation-beating returns over the long term.

Maintain a systematic approach, with SIPs focused on growth-oriented funds (large and mid-cap funds are ideal).

Regularly review this corpus every 2-3 years to ensure it aligns with educational costs.

2. Financial Independence
Early financial independence requires strategic savings and investment growth.

Aim to build a corpus that covers at least 25 times your annual expenses.

At present, Rs 50,000 monthly expenses indicate a future goal corpus of Rs 1.5-2 crore, adjusting for inflation.

Your current SIPs are a great start, but gradually increase SIPs to achieve a sizeable retirement fund.

Consider adding more equity exposure for growth and inflation protection, while adding debt as retirement nears.

Debt Management and EMI Strategy
Home loan EMI is Rs 60,000, a significant commitment for 20 years. This can limit cash flow for other investments.

Aim to prepay your loan when possible to reduce interest outflow and loan tenure.

You may consider setting aside a small portion of bonuses or salary hikes for periodic prepayments.

Reducing debt earlier will provide more cash flow to focus on investments.

Optimising Your SIP Strategy
Equity Allocation: Your SIP allocation is split 40:30:20:10 across large, mid, small, and debt categories.

Large-cap funds offer stability, while mid and small caps drive growth. The debt allocation provides balance but may be increased as you approach retirement.

Avoid Index Funds: Index funds, while popular, lack active management, which can be limiting. Actively managed funds adjust to market conditions, providing a higher potential for returns. Certified Financial Planners (CFP) can guide you on the best funds for your goals, particularly with growth in mind.

Consider Regular Funds Over Direct: Regular funds provide personalised guidance, performance reviews, and rebalancing through Certified Financial Planners, which direct funds lack. Regular investments managed by certified experts offer better long-term growth.

Building Contingency and Protection
1. Emergency Fund
Ensure an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses (about Rs 4-6 lakh), kept in easily accessible accounts like liquid funds.

This fund will protect your long-term investments in case of unexpected expenses.

2. Insurance Needs
Adequate life and health insurance are essential, especially with dependents and ongoing liabilities.

Life insurance should cover at least 10 times your annual income, which could be achieved with a simple term insurance policy.

Health insurance for the family is essential to avoid dipping into savings during medical emergencies. Ensure coverage is comprehensive to handle inflation in healthcare.

Tax Efficiency in Investments
New tax rules affect mutual fund capital gains. For equity funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%, while short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab. Plan to withdraw strategically to minimise tax impact.

Periodic portfolio reviews and structured withdrawals can help reduce your tax liability.

Nurturing Long-Term Wealth Growth
PPF and Debt Instruments: PPF and debt mutual funds provide stability but may fall short on inflation-adjusted growth. Maintain debt instruments as a smaller part of your portfolio until retirement nears.

Equities for Wealth Accumulation: Equities remain ideal for long-term goals like retirement and education due to their inflation-beating growth.

Review your mutual fund choices periodically to ensure they are high-performing and aligned with your growth goals.

Final Insights
Achieving financial independence and funding your children’s education are achievable with disciplined investments, a focus on growth, and debt management. Regular monitoring, along with a Certified Financial Planner’s advice, will ensure you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |7 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

Listen
Career
I am a 29 year old completed her Masters in Psychology 5 years ago. Presently i am working, on a contractual basis ,as a Patient Counsellor for Oncology department in a local well reputed hospital and my work contract is coming to an end. I always aspire to make a mark in the field of Psychology and contribute in a better way for Indian space, bring awareness and popularity in India. My mind also goes to UGC NET or school counseling, plus I am yet to do any M. Phil or PhD yet however I am little unsure regarding my capacity. But I do want to go ahead in my career. I need your guidance regarding taking the next step for a better career. Please help me out.
Ans: I am really very happy to see the positive mind frame of yours. I do think teaching ( i.e. College Teaching) will be the best job for you. At a time you and teach and counsel. Please don't be unsure about your capacity, from your writing it is crystal clear that you do have the required capacity to do M.Phil and Ph.D. Only your age is a bit high, because if you do M.Phil and Ph.D then it will take at least six years time and by that time you will be 35. If you are ready you can apply to some Universities of Germany for doing Ph.D directly. There M.Phil is not required. In Germany for ladies education is free. Only you need to have knowledge of primary German language for a smooth sailing. In school there is little bit use of Psychology, because the subject of Psychology is not there.
Your next step will be having a permanent job. Unless the basic needs are assured you can't concentrate. In India very few persons get job satisfaction. So if you appear for the state PSC exam, you may crack it, but Psychology won't be there, you may be a Deputy Collector or Sales Tax Officer with periodic transfer and lot of respect cum status. But don't be morose. Even being in other job you can give free counselling of Psychology online free of cost just to pursue your hobby. My basic answer is that first grab a full time job and then pursue your passion. Right now don't go for M.Phil and Ph.D.Higher degrees and age are proportional to each other. In last five years you must have completed M.Phil and started Ph.D. But no point in lamenting over the spilt milk. So two option 1) Do Ph.D from Germany 2) Grab a Govt or Private job which is not contractual. Take proper decision. That is the most important thing in career building. Never go for split mind and never try for true option. Make your aim fix and target it and I am sure you will achieve it.
Now just procure a permanent job and pursue your hobby of Psychology.Best of Luck. Prof. Mukhopadhyay

...Read more

T S Khurana

T S Khurana   |173 Answers  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x