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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 23, 2025Hindi
Money

I am 64 year want to invest in SIP rs 10000 monthly pls advise

Ans: Understanding Your Needs

Your age: 64 years

Planning SIP of Rs. 10,000 monthly

Likely used for post-retirement income growth or legacy

That is great foresight. You’ve chosen disciplined investing.
Now we need a smart plan that suits your stage in life.
Let’s explore this comprehensively and professionally.

Clarify Your Financial Goals

What is the purpose of this SIP?

Do you want income, growth, or legacy?

Is your investment horizon 5, 10, or more years?

Will this money support daily expenses?

Or is it a backup or bequest for heirs?

Clearly stating objectives guides asset choice.
Each purpose demands a different strategy.

Assess Risk Tolerance and Time Horizon

At 64, time horizon may be less than 10 years

But regular reviewing lets you adjust

If your goal is legacy, equity exposure can continue

If goal is cautious income, lean more to debt and hybrids

Your emotional comfort matters.
Evaluate your ability to ride market ups and downs.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity Needs

Do you have 6 months of expenses saved?

Use a liquid or ultra-short debt fund for this

This protects SIP from being used in emergencies

It also ensures peace of mind

Without liquidity, you may be forced to exit SIPs prematurely.

Insurance and Protection Needs

At 64, health issues can arise

Do you have personal health insurance?

Add critical illness and personal accident cover

Term life insurance may no longer be needed

Avoid mixing investments and insurance

Focus on protection-only products if needed.

Asset Allocation Strategy

Allocate SIP funds wisely according to goals:

1. Equity Exposure (25–40%)

Use actively managed diversified equity funds

Large or flexi cap funds give stable growth

Mid or small cap only if you can handle risk

Sectoral funds should be avoided or limited (
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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 28, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Sir i want to invest in sip my monthly saving will be between 1000 to 2500 Rs please advice.
Ans: It's great that you're looking to start investing through SIPs with your monthly savings! Here's some advice tailored to your budget:

Start Small: Even with a modest monthly savings of Rs. 1000 to 2500, you can begin investing through SIPs. The key is to start early and remain consistent with your contributions.
Choose Low-Cost Funds: Look for mutual funds with low expense ratios, as they minimize the impact of fees on your returns. Opt for direct plans of mutual funds to save on distribution expenses.
Focus on Equity Funds: Given your long-term investment horizon, consider investing in equity mutual funds. These funds have the potential to deliver higher returns over the long run, although they come with higher volatility.
Diversify Your Portfolio: Select a mix of different types of equity funds, such as large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds, to spread your risk across various market segments. Diversification can help mitigate the impact of market fluctuations.
Stay Invested for the Long Term: SIPs work best when you stay invested for the long term, allowing your investments to benefit from the power of compounding. Aim to invest consistently over several years to maximize your returns.
Review and Adjust: Periodically review your SIP investments to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. You may need to adjust your investment strategy based on changes in your financial situation or market conditions.
Stay Informed: Take the time to educate yourself about mutual funds, investment strategies, and market trends. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and stay on track with your financial goals.
Consult a Financial Advisor: If you're unsure about which funds to invest in or how to construct your investment portfolio, consider consulting a financial advisor. They can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals.
By following these tips and starting your SIP journey with discipline and patience, you can gradually build wealth over time and work towards achieving your financial objectives. Remember, every rupee invested today can make a difference in securing your financial future tomorrow.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 14, 2025Hindi
Money
Iam 48 year man , no investment yet. I need to start invest 30000 monthly in sip. Please advise.
Ans: You are taking a vital step toward financial stability. Starting SIPs of Rs 30,000 monthly is a great choice. Here's how you can maximise this opportunity:

1. Understand Your Financial Goals
Define your goals clearly.
Split goals into short-term, medium-term, and long-term categories.
For instance, goals may include retirement, children's education, or a contingency fund.
2. Emergency Fund Comes First
Build an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months' expenses.
Keep it in a liquid fund or savings account.
This ensures financial security during unexpected events.
3. Risk Assessment
Assess your risk tolerance based on age, goals, and responsibilities.
As you are 48, balance risk and returns carefully.
Avoid taking excessive risks at this stage of life.
4. Asset Allocation is Key
Allocate funds wisely between equity, debt, and hybrid mutual funds.
Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term goals like retirement.
Debt funds suit medium-term goals like a child’s education.
Hybrid funds offer balanced growth and safety for moderate goals.
5. Select Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds in the Indian market.
Fund managers adapt strategies to market conditions.
This flexibility can lead to better returns compared to index funds.
6. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Invest Rs 30,000 monthly in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.
SIPs bring financial discipline and reduce market volatility impact.
Long-term SIPs benefit from the power of compounding.
7. Tax Efficiency in Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds offer lower long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax.
LTCG over Rs 1.25 lakh annually is taxed at 12.5%.
Debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Choose funds based on your tax bracket and investment horizon.
8. Regular Funds Through a CFP
Invest in regular funds with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.
CFPs help you choose the right funds based on your goals.
Regular funds come with professional support for better management.
9. Review and Rebalance Portfolio
Review your investments every six months or annually.
Rebalance based on market changes and goal progress.
Adjust allocations to maintain an optimal risk-return balance.
10. Insure Yourself Adequately
Ensure sufficient health and life insurance coverage.
Avoid mixing investment and insurance in one product.
A term insurance policy is ideal for life cover.
11. Retirement Planning is Crucial
Invest in equity funds for long-term retirement goals.
Aim for a corpus that sustains your post-retirement lifestyle.
Consider inflation and rising healthcare costs while planning.
12. Monitor Lifestyle Inflation
Keep lifestyle inflation in check to save more.
Prioritise needs over wants to increase your savings potential.
Focus on financial discipline for a secure future.
13. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Avoid stopping SIPs during market downturns.
Do not withdraw funds prematurely without valid reasons.
Avoid emotional decisions; stick to your plan.
14. Consult a Certified Financial Planner
A CFP ensures you stay aligned with your financial objectives.
They help optimise your portfolio for better returns.
Professional guidance helps you navigate market complexities.
15. Educate Yourself About Investments
Understand the basics of mutual funds and market dynamics.
This knowledge helps you make informed decisions.
Stay updated on economic trends and fund performance.
Finally
Your initiative to invest Rs 30,000 monthly is commendable. Consistency and discipline will bring excellent results. Follow the above steps to build a robust financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 01, 2025

Money
At 54years old, wish to invest Rs. 10000 per month in SIP. My view is long term between 5to7 years. Kindly advise
Ans: – At age 54, you are showing very good planning mindset.
– Starting a SIP at this stage still makes a lot of sense.
– Your consistent saving habit is worth appreciating.
– Investing for 5 to 7 years is a wise goal horizon.
– This time frame gives a good balance between growth and safety.

» Understanding the Time Horizon and Its Role

– A 5 to 7 year horizon is medium to long-term.
– It allows your investment to face short-term volatility and recover.
– It also helps in benefiting from compounding power.
– Still, risk must be managed carefully.

» Importance of Asset Allocation at This Stage

– Full equity exposure at 54 may not suit everyone.
– Partial allocation to safer debt funds adds balance.
– Equity gives higher growth but is more volatile.
– Debt gives stability and cushions against equity fall.
– A mix of both is the smart choice at this stage.

» Equity Mutual Funds – Growth Component for 5–7 Years

– Equity mutual funds work best for long-term growth.
– They invest in Indian businesses with good future.
– Actively managed funds are better than index funds.
– Index funds follow fixed stocks and cannot protect in down cycles.
– Actively managed funds adapt with changing economy.
– Fund manager adjusts exposure to sectors based on future outlook.
– This adds protection and higher growth potential.

» Why to Avoid Index Funds for Your Goal

– Index funds blindly copy the index.
– They cannot exit poor-performing stocks.
– During crashes, they fall sharply and recover slowly.
– No human decision-making is involved.
– Your capital stays exposed without any protective moves.
– For your age and timeline, this is risky.
– Instead, use actively managed funds for peace and better control.

» Why Direct Funds Are Not Ideal for You

– Direct funds give no support or guidance.
– You have to review and rebalance yourself.
– At 54, making fund decisions alone can be hard.
– No help is available during market crashes.
– Mistakes in timing or switching can hurt your goals.
– Regular funds through MFD and CFP offer better goal support.
– You get advice, reminders, and emotional support.
– This helps you stay focused and disciplined.

» SIP – A Smart Investment Tool

– SIP reduces risk by averaging cost over time.
– It adds investing discipline without large one-time outflow.
– SIPs help in riding out market cycles smoothly.
– Even if market falls, SIP buys more units at lower price.
– Over 5–7 years, this improves returns.
– Don’t pause SIP during market fall.

» How to Allocate Your Rs. 10,000 Monthly SIP

– Split Rs. 10,000 across different fund categories.
– Around 60% can be in equity-oriented funds.
– 40% can be in low-risk debt or hybrid funds.
– Choose funds with strong track record and active management.
– Diversify across sectors and styles.
– Don’t put all money in one type of fund.

» Importance of Regular Reviews

– Markets keep changing. Fund performance also changes.
– Review your portfolio every 6 months.
– Track how much gap remains to your target.
– Make adjustments based on market and personal needs.
– CFP-guided MFD can help with this review process.

» Tax Implications You Should Know

– Equity fund returns above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
– This applies if held more than 1 year.
– Short-term gains (below 1 year) are taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.
– So, hold equity funds for more than 1 year to reduce tax.
– Plan redemptions carefully after year 5 or 6.

» Common Mistakes to Avoid at This Stage

– Don’t put entire SIP in equity funds.
– Don’t chase top performing funds only.
– Avoid frequent switching between funds.
– Don’t stop SIPs during market corrections.
– Don’t invest in schemes without knowing your risk profile.

» Safe Guarding the Investment Emotionally and Strategically

– Market ups and downs are natural.
– Stay calm during falls. Don’t exit in panic.
– Stick to your SIP even during volatility.
– Over time, market rewards those who are patient.
– Combine SIP with emergency fund and insurance.
– Keep your medical and life cover in place.
– Don’t mix insurance with investment.
– No ULIP or endowment plans should be considered.

» Ideal Investment Behaviour in the 50s

– Keep realistic return expectations.
– Don’t expect double digit returns every year.
– Stay focused on long-term wealth creation.
– Avoid quick profits or market timing.
– Stay in good funds with good fund managers.

» Role of Certified Financial Planner and MFD in Your Journey

– You need investment aligned to your retirement and income needs.
– A CFP understands your financial life fully.
– An MFD helps you implement the plan with discipline.
– Together they guide you on fund selection, review and emotional support.
– This ensures your goal remains on track even during market stress.

» Stay Away from Unregulated Investments

– Don’t fall for guaranteed high return schemes.
– Don’t invest in fancy portfolios or crypto.
– Avoid exotic products and tips-based investing.
– Stay with SEBI-regulated mutual funds through verified MFD channel.

» Diversification is Very Important Now

– Don’t invest all Rs. 10,000 in one fund.
– Spread across sectors and styles.
– Use hybrid funds for extra balance.
– Take minimal international exposure only if goal allows.

» Gradually Shift to Safer Funds in Year 6

– As your goal nears, shift equity part to safer funds.
– This locks your gains and reduces final-year risk.
– Don’t leave equity fully till the end.
– Gradual shift ensures stability in final goal years.
– Many people ignore this and lose value near maturity.

» Don’t Get Influenced by Fund Star Ratings

– Ratings keep changing every few months.
– Choose funds based on consistent past performance and strategy.
– Focus on fund house reputation and fund manager style.
– Stay invested for full 5–7 years to see results.

» Finally

– Starting SIP at 54 is a smart move.
– Rs. 10,000 monthly can create meaningful corpus.
– Split between equity and debt for safety and growth.
– Avoid index funds and direct funds.
– Use regular funds via MFD with CFP help.
– Stay invested for full tenure.
– Review every 6 months.
– Slowly shift to safe funds near maturity.
– Stay disciplined and don’t stop SIPs mid-way.
– Avoid insurance-based products for investing.
– Stay focused on your goals, not markets.
– With time and patience, you will succeed.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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