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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6505 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 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 - Dec 26, 2023Hindi
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HI SIR, I AM 63 YEARS OLD RETIRED PERSON HAVING NO OTHER SOURCE OF INCOME (EXCEPT SOME INTEREST FROM POST OFFICE SMALL SAVINGS). I HAD INVESTED A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT IN FOLLOWING MUTUAL FUND WITH MY WIFE AND AM CONSIDERING TO REDEEM SOME MONEY FOR MY EXPENSES . WOULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THESE FUNDS AND ADVISE WHICH FUND SHOULD BE REDEEMED OR WHICH SHOULD BE KEPT FOR LONG PERIOD. I SHALL BE HIGHLY OBLIGED FOR YOUR VALUABLE GUIDANCE. Aditya Birla Sun Life ELSS Tax Saver Fund-Growth-Direct Plan Aditya Birla Sun Life Focused Fund - Growth-Direct Plan Aditya Birla Sun Life Focused Fund - Growth-Direct Plan Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Direct Growth Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth DSP ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Franklin India ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan - Growth ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund - Direct Plan - Growth ICICI Prudential ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Kotak Flexicap Fund - Direct Growth Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund Mirae Asset Large and Midcap Fund Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund - Direct Plan Motilal Oswal Focused Fund - Direct Plan SBI Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Tata ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct Plan Growth Tata Retirement Savings Fund-Conservative DIRECT Plan - Growth

Ans: Considering your retirement needs and investment goals, prioritize funds with stable performance and lower risk for long-term retention. Consider redeeming funds with inconsistent performance or those not aligned with your risk profile. Diversify across asset classes to mitigate risk and ensure steady income. Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance based on your financial situation and retirement objectives.
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  |6505 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 2024

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Hello Madam, I have the following Mutual Funds Investments, request you to let me know if these can be continued with or need to discontinue any of them, also please let me know new good performing funds to invest in. One time investment: (1) ICICI/ India Opportunities Fund - Growth - Rs.2,50,000, (2) ICICI/ Value Discovery Fund - Growth - Rs.2,50,000, (3) ICICI / Transporation & Logistics Fund - Growth - Rs.2,00,000. SIP Monthly: (4) Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Rs.5,000, (5) Canara Robeco Emerging Equities - Regular Plan - Rs.5,000, (6) Aditya Birla SL Focused Equity Fund(G) - Rs.15,000, (7) HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund(G) - Rs.5,000, (8) ICICI Pru Bluechip Fund(G) - Rs.5,000, (9) Axis Small Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Rs.5,000, (10) ICICI Prudential Technology Fund - Growth - Rs.5,000, (11) L&T Midcap Fund - HSBC Midcap Fund - Rs.5,000, (12) ICIPRU Multi-Asset Fund - Growth - Rs.5,000, (13) ICIPRU Value Discovery Fund - Growth - Rs.5,000. Thank You.
Ans: It's great to see your diversified portfolio. While your current investments seem well-distributed across various sectors and fund types, it's always a good idea to periodically review and reassess your holdings.

For one-time investments, consider evaluating the performance and future prospects of each fund. Are they aligned with your investment goals and risk tolerance? You might want to assess if any fund's objectives no longer match your investment strategy.

Regarding SIPs, you have a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and sectoral funds, which is commendable for diversification. However, keep an eye on the performance of each SIP and consider rebalancing if necessary.

As for new investments, consider funds that complement your existing portfolio while providing exposure to sectors with growth potential. Research and consult with a financial advisor to identify funds with strong track records and promising outlooks.

Remember, regular review and adjustment are key to maintaining a healthy and optimized investment portfolio.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6505 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

Money
i am 69 years old and my mutual fund folios have following funds pl review these are ok fr my coming retirement years hdfc elss tax saver HSBC VALUE FUND REGULAR SINCE 2017 ICICIPRU THEMATIC ADVANTAGE FUND GROWTH 2022 INVESCO INDIA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND GROWTH 2022 MOTILAL OSWAL LARGE AND MIDCAPFUND REGULAR 2022 NIPPON INDIA ELSS TAX SAVER FUND GROWTH 2017 QUANT SMALL CAP FUND GROWTH 2022 SIP 50000 P.M
Ans: Let's carefully review your mutual fund portfolio to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals.

Assessing Your Current Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your portfolio consists of various mutual funds, including tax-saving funds, value funds, thematic funds, infrastructure funds, large and mid-cap funds, and a small-cap fund. Each of these has distinct characteristics and risk profiles.

Tax-Saving Funds (ELSS)
You have investments in tax-saving funds, which are beneficial for tax deductions. ELSS funds typically have a lock-in period of three years. However, as you approach retirement, liquidity becomes crucial.

Consider the necessity of continued investment in ELSS funds once the lock-in period ends. They should be evaluated for their performance and your need for liquidity.

Value Fund
Value funds focus on undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals. These funds can provide good returns over time but may be volatile in the short term. They are suitable for long-term investors who can withstand market fluctuations.

Thematic and Sectoral Funds
Thematic and sectoral funds, like your infrastructure fund and thematic advantage fund, focus on specific sectors. These funds can be high-risk due to their narrow focus. In retirement, reducing exposure to high-risk funds is advisable.

Large and Mid-Cap Funds
Large and mid-cap funds invest in established companies with strong market positions. These funds offer a balance of stability and growth. They are suitable for a moderate risk profile, which is often appropriate for retirees seeking steady returns.

Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds invest in smaller companies with high growth potential but also come with high volatility. Given your retirement stage, high volatility might not align with your need for capital preservation and steady income.

Evaluating Your SIP Strategy
You are investing Rs 50,000 per month via SIPs. SIPs are excellent for disciplined investing and averaging out market volatility. However, the allocation among various funds needs to be assessed to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals.

Recommendations for Retirement Planning
Prioritize Safety and Liquidity
As you approach retirement, prioritize safety and liquidity. Reduce exposure to high-risk funds like small-cap and thematic funds. Shift towards more stable investments.

Increase Allocation to Debt Funds
Debt funds provide regular income with lower risk compared to equity funds. Increasing your allocation to debt funds can provide stability and regular income during retirement.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds
Consider balanced or hybrid funds that invest in both equity and debt. These funds provide a mix of growth and income, balancing risk and return. They can be suitable for retirees needing both income and growth.

Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can adapt to market conditions and aim for higher returns. They provide flexibility and professional management, which is beneficial for optimizing your retirement portfolio.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds track a market index and cannot adapt to market changes. This lack of flexibility can result in missed opportunities for higher returns, making them less ideal for a dynamic retirement portfolio.

Benefits of Regular Funds through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures your portfolio is professionally managed. They provide personalized advice and strategic adjustments to align with your retirement needs.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances change, so adjustments are necessary.

Understanding Your Risk Tolerance
At 69, your risk tolerance may be lower than in your younger years. Focus on capital preservation and income generation. High-risk funds may not be suitable for your stage of life.

Creating a Steady Income Stream
Plan for a steady income stream to support your retirement lifestyle. Consider Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) from mutual funds for regular income.

Professional Guidance for Optimal Planning
A Certified Financial Planner can help create a tailored retirement plan. They ensure your investments align with your risk tolerance, income needs, and long-term goals.

Conclusion
Your current portfolio has a mix of high-risk and stable funds. As you approach retirement, focus on safety, liquidity, and steady income. Rebalance your portfolio to reduce exposure to high-risk funds and increase allocation to debt and balanced funds. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner will help you stay on track and adjust your investments as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6505 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello, This is Capt. Samir. I have invested in mutual funds and doing an SIP of 70k per month. Would like to know if the mutual funds that I have invested in are good to hold and the corpus that can be generated in the next 10 years. I am looking forward for a 2 cr corpus by 2034 from MF. Kindly advise if SIP needs to be increased to generate the said corpus. Mutual Funds DSP-Global innovation FOF-Reg fund -G -3000 Sip WHITEOAK flexi cap reg fund- 3000 SIP CANARA REBECCO Mid cap fund - 3000 SIP HDFC Business fund- 200000 LUMPSUM HDFC top 30 fund - 3000 SIP Aditya Birla frontline equity fund - 2 folios - 3000 SIP in one only DSP small cap fund- 5000 HDFC small cap fund- 5000 Merai asset large cap fund-5000 ICICI prudential Blue chip fund-5000 Canara Rebecco manufacturing fund Growth - 5000 Kotak focused equity fund -5000 JM midcap fund Growth - 5000 SBI ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES FUND - 400,000 LUMPSUM Kotak Multicap fund: 5000 ICICI PRU energy and fund: 5000 HDFC Nifty 200 momentum30 index fund- 10000 HSBC EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FUND - 3L lumpsum Thanks Samir
Ans: It’s great to see that you are already investing consistently and have a target in mind. Your aim of generating Rs 2 crore by 2034 from mutual fund investments is achievable with a systematic approach. Let's break down your current investment strategy and assess whether any adjustments are needed to meet your goal.

Review of Your Existing SIPs and Lump Sum Investments
You are currently investing Rs 70,000 per month through SIPs and have made some lump-sum investments as well. Let's evaluate the funds you have chosen based on their category, diversification, and potential for long-term growth.

Global Innovation Fund: This fund gives you exposure to international markets, which helps diversify your portfolio. Keep an eye on global market trends, but this fund can add value if the global tech and innovation sectors grow.

Flexi Cap and Mid Cap Funds: Flexi Cap and Mid Cap funds offer a balance of growth potential and risk. They tend to outperform in the long run, but they also come with volatility. These funds are good to hold for a long-term horizon.

Lump Sum Investments in Sector-Specific Funds (Energy and Manufacturing): Sector-specific funds can be high-risk but may offer high returns if the sector performs well. The energy sector has potential but may be volatile due to factors like government policies, oil prices, and global energy trends. Manufacturing is more stable but less likely to deliver aggressive returns. Keep these funds for diversification, but be cautious.

Small Cap Funds: You have exposure to two small cap funds. While small cap funds can offer high returns, they come with high volatility. Keep in mind that small cap funds should ideally not exceed 20% of your portfolio due to their risk profile.

Large Cap and Blue Chip Funds: Large Cap funds are a safer bet in the long term and provide stability. They might not offer the highest returns but will protect your capital. Continue your SIPs in these funds.

Focused Equity Funds: These funds invest in a limited number of stocks, which can give concentrated returns but also carry higher risk. As you are looking for a long-term goal, these funds can add value, but balance them with more diversified funds.

Index Funds: While index funds are low-cost, they track the index and may not offer outperformance. Actively managed funds can give you better returns over the long term. If you are invested in index funds, consider reviewing their performance and reallocating to actively managed funds with a Certified Financial Planner.

Is Your Portfolio Diversified Enough?
Your portfolio has a good mix of different fund categories—small cap, mid cap, flexi cap, and large cap. You also have exposure to international markets and sectoral funds. However, be cautious about over-investing in small caps and sectoral funds due to their high volatility. Consider reducing the allocation to sectoral funds if their performance dips.

Will You Achieve Rs 2 Crore by 2034?
You aim to accumulate Rs 2 crore by 2034. Based on your current SIP amount, it is important to assess if this is enough. Considering an average return of 12% per annum from your mutual funds, Rs 70,000 per month SIPs may get you close to your target. However, it is wise to periodically review your portfolio and step up your SIP amount by 10-15% every year to stay on track.

Recommendation:

Increase your SIP amount: If possible, increase your SIPs by 10% every year to boost your corpus and mitigate the impact of inflation.
Step-Up SIPs: Some mutual funds offer a "Step-Up SIP" option where you can increase your monthly SIP amount automatically by a fixed percentage every year. This will help you stay on track for your Rs 2 crore goal.
Lump Sum vs SIPs
Lump sum investments can boost your corpus, but they depend on market timing. Since you already have a few lump-sum investments, it’s good to continue with SIPs to average out market volatility. If you come into additional funds, like a bonus or windfall, consider allocating some towards lump sum investments in diversified funds.

Expense Ratios and Fund Performance
It’s important to regularly monitor the expense ratios of the funds you are invested in. High expense ratios can eat into your returns over the long term. Actively managed funds with high expense ratios should justify the cost with higher returns. If you find that the returns are not justifying the high costs, consult a Certified Financial Planner to switch to better-performing funds with reasonable expenses.

Managing Risk and Rebalancing
Your current portfolio leans towards high-risk, high-return funds like small caps and sectoral funds. As you approach your target year, start reducing exposure to high-risk funds and shift more towards stable funds like large caps and flexi caps. This will help preserve your capital and reduce volatility.

Every year or two, review your portfolio and rebalance it. For example, if small caps have outperformed, they may now constitute a larger portion of your portfolio than you originally planned. Rebalance by selling some small cap units and buying more large cap or flexi cap units.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Apart from investing in mutual funds, ensure that you have an emergency fund that covers 6-12 months of your expenses. This will protect you from dipping into your investments in case of unforeseen financial needs.

You already have a term insurance plan, which is great. Ensure that the sum assured is adequate to cover your family's financial needs in case of an emergency.

Tax Planning
Remember to account for taxation when planning your investment strategy. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds are taxed at 10% for gains above Rs 1 lakh. Plan your withdrawals strategically to minimize tax liabilities.

You can also invest in ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) funds to save on taxes under Section 80C. ELSS funds have a 3-year lock-in period and provide both tax benefits and market-linked returns.

Final Insights
Your current portfolio is well-diversified but high on risk.
Keep track of expense ratios and switch funds if necessary.
Step up your SIPs annually by 10-15% to meet your Rs 2 crore target.
Rebalance your portfolio every year to manage risk.
Maintain an emergency fund and ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Consider tax-saving strategies like ELSS to optimize your investments.
With a disciplined approach and periodic reviews, your goal of Rs 2 crore by 2034 is achievable.

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

...Read more

Moneywize

Moneywize   |164 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 02, 2024Hindi
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I’m Kavya from Varanasi. I am 33 with one daughter, aged 5. My husband and I both have health and life insurance policies. We’re considering adding a critical illness rider to our insurance. Is this a good idea for additional protection?
Ans: Hello Kavya,
Adding a critical illness (CI) rider to your existing health and life insurance policies can be a valuable way to enhance your financial protection. Here are some key points to consider:

What is a Critical Illness Rider?

A critical illness rider is an add-on to your existing insurance policy that provides a lump-sum payment if you are diagnosed with one of the specified critical illnesses covered by the policy. Common illnesses covered include cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and major organ transplants, among others.

Benefits of Adding a CI Rider:

1. Financial Support During Recovery:
• Medical Expenses: Helps cover treatments that might not be fully covered by your regular health insurance.
• Living Expenses: Provides funds to manage daily expenses if you're unable to work during recovery.

2. Flexibility:

• The lump sum can be used as you see fit, whether for medical bills, mortgage payments, or other financial obligations.

3. Peace of Mind:

• Offers additional security knowing that you have extra coverage in case of a serious illness.

Considerations Before Adding a CI Rider:

1. Coverage and Definitions:

• Illness List: Ensure the rider covers a broad range of illnesses relevant to your age and family medical history.
• Definitions and Criteria: Understand the specific definitions and diagnostic criteria for each covered illness.

2. Cost:

• Premium Increases: Adding a CI rider will increase your premium. Evaluate whether the additional cost fits within your budget.
• Affordability: Consider how the increased premiums affect your overall financial plan.

3. Exclusions and Limitations:

• Pre-existing Conditions: Check if any existing health conditions might exclude you from coverage.
• Survival Period: Some policies require you to survive a certain period after diagnosis to receive the benefit.

4. Policy Terms:

• Claim Process: Understand the process for filing a claim and the documentation required.
• Renewability: Ensure the rider remains in force for as long as you need it, without excessive increases in premiums.

5. Existing Coverage:

• Overlap: Review your current health and life insurance policies to identify any overlapping benefits.
• Gap Analysis: Determine if there are gaps in coverage that the CI rider would effectively fill.

Personal Considerations:

• Health Status: Both you and your husband’s current health status and family medical history can influence the necessity of a CI rider.
• Financial Obligations: Consider your financial responsibilities, such as your daughter's education, mortgage, or other long-term commitments.
• Risk Tolerance: Assess your comfort level with the potential financial risks associated with critical illnesses.

Next Steps:

1. Evaluate Your Needs:

• Assess your current financial situation, obligations, and the level of protection you desire.

2. Compare Policies:

• Look at different insurers and the specific terms of their CI riders to find the best fit for your needs.

3. Consult a Professional:

• Speak with a certified financial advisor or insurance agent who can provide personalized advice based on your circumstances.

Adding a critical illness rider can offer valuable protection and peace of mind, but it's essential to carefully evaluate how it fits into your overall financial plan. By considering the factors above and consulting with a professional, you can make an informed decision that best suits your family's needs.

...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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