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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 04, 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 - Jan 10, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

I am 66, may I invest rs.5,000/- SIP with step up 15% p.a. either multi asset fund or large & midcap fund. My mail I'd rabic76@ Gmail.com

Ans: As a 66-year-old investor, it's crucial to consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation when making investment decisions. While investing in mutual funds through SIPs can be a good strategy for long-term wealth accumulation, it's essential to choose funds that align with your needs.

Investing Rs. 5,000/- SIP with a step-up of 15% p.a. in either a multi-asset fund or a large & midcap fund can be suitable depending on your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Here's a brief comparison of both options:

Multi-Asset Fund: These funds invest in a mix of equity, debt, and sometimes other asset classes like gold. They offer diversification across asset classes, which can help manage risk. However, the equity component may still expose you to market volatility.

Large & Midcap Fund: These funds invest in a combination of large-cap and mid-cap stocks. They offer the potential for higher returns compared to large-cap funds alone, but they also come with higher risk due to exposure to mid-cap stocks.

Considering your age, it's advisable to prioritize capital preservation and downside protection while still aiming for reasonable returns. Therefore, a multi-asset fund may be more suitable as it provides diversification across asset classes, including relatively safer debt instruments.

However, before making any investment decisions, it's crucial to consult with a financial advisor who can assess your specific financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance to provide personalized advice. They can help you select the most appropriate investment strategy to meet your needs and 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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

Listen
Money
Hi I m 43 years old and have SIP in following M.F 1. Quant small cap fund direct growth 50000, 2. ICICI PRUDENTIAL SMALL CAP DIRECT 50000, 3. AXIS S&P 500 ETF 50000, 4. QUANT HEALTH CARE 50000, 5. HDFC SMALL CAP 30000, 6. ICICI PRUD. BHARAT 22 FOF 30000, 7. NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP SIP 5000 MONTHLY, MOTILAL OSWAL MIDCAP 5000 MONTHLY, QUANT MICAP 5000 MONTHLY.
Ans: Assessment of Current Mutual Fund Portfolio for Long-term Growth

Portfolio Overview:

Your current mutual fund (MF) portfolio consists of a mix of small-cap, mid-cap, sectoral, and ETF funds, indicating a diversified investment approach. Here's an analysis of each fund:

Quant Small Cap Fund (Direct Growth):

Small-cap funds offer high growth potential but come with increased volatility.
Your substantial investment in this fund reflects your risk appetite and growth objectives.
ICICI Prudential Small Cap Fund (Direct):

Similar to the Quant Small Cap Fund, this fund aims for capital appreciation from small-cap stocks.
Investing in multiple small-cap funds adds diversification but requires careful monitoring due to volatility.
Axis S&P 500 ETF:

ETFs provide exposure to top U.S. companies, offering diversification and stability.
This fund adds international exposure to your portfolio, hedging against domestic market risks.
Quant Healthcare Fund:

Sectoral funds focus on specific industries, offering potential growth opportunities.
Healthcare funds can benefit from industry-specific tailwinds but may also face regulatory and market risks.
HDFC Small Cap Fund:

Another small-cap fund in your portfolio, contributing to high-growth potential.
This fund's performance should be monitored closely due to the inherent volatility of small-cap stocks.
ICICI Prudential Bharat 22 FOF:

FOFs invest in a basket of stocks mirroring an underlying index, providing diversification.
Bharat 22 FOF offers exposure to a diversified portfolio of public sector enterprises and other blue-chip stocks.
Nippon India Small Cap SIP, Motilal Oswal Midcap, Quant Midcap:

Monthly SIPs in small and mid-cap funds demonstrate a focus on high-growth segments of the market.
These funds offer the potential for capital appreciation over the long term but come with increased risk.
Portfolio Assessment:

Your MF portfolio reflects a high-risk, high-growth investment strategy, suitable for long-term wealth creation. However, the heavy allocation to small-cap and mid-cap funds may expose your portfolio to higher volatility. Here are some recommendations:

Diversification: Consider rebalancing your portfolio to include a mix of large-cap and multi-cap funds for stability and risk mitigation.
Regular Review: Monitor the performance of individual funds and consider reallocation if any underperform consistently.
Asset Allocation: Assess your risk tolerance and adjust your asset allocation accordingly to maintain a balanced portfolio.
Exit Strategy: Define exit criteria for each fund to avoid emotional decision-making during market fluctuations.
Conclusion:

Your MF portfolio is well-aligned with your high-risk appetite and long-term investment horizon. By diversifying across market segments and regularly reviewing your portfolio, you can work towards achieving your wealth creation goals over time.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

Listen
Money
Hi I m 43 years old and have SIP in following M.F 1. Quant small cap fund direct growth 50000, 2. ICICI PRUDENTIAL SMALL CAP DIRECT 50000, 3. AXIS S&P 500 ETF 50000, 4. QUANT HEALTH CARE 50000, 5. HDFC SMALL CAP 30000, 6. ICICI PRUD. BHARAT 22 FOF 30000, 7. NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP SIP 5000 MONTHLY, MOTILAL OSWAL MIDCAP 5000 MONTHLY, QUANT MICAP 5000 MONTHLY.
Ans: Assessing Your Mutual Fund Portfolio for Long-Term Growth

Diversification Analysis:

Your mutual fund portfolio reflects a diverse mix of funds across various categories and themes. Let's evaluate each category's suitability for your financial goals and risk appetite.

Evaluation of Fund Choices:

Small Cap Funds:

Quant Small Cap Fund, ICICI Prudential Small Cap, and Nippon India Small Cap SIP offer exposure to small-cap companies with high growth potential.
Small caps tend to be more volatile but can deliver superior returns over the long term.
Mid Cap Funds:

Motilal Oswal Midcap and Quant Midcap provide exposure to mid-sized companies poised for growth.
Mid caps offer a balance between growth potential and risk compared to small caps.
Large Cap and Index Funds:

Axis S&P 500 ETF offers exposure to the top 500 US companies, providing diversification and stability.
ICICI Prudential Bharat 22 FOF invests in a basket of Indian public sector enterprises and private sector companies.
Sectoral and Thematic Funds:

Quant Health Care focuses on the healthcare sector, offering potential growth opportunities.
HDFC Small Cap Fund invests in small-cap companies and may provide higher returns over the long term.
Portfolio Adjustment and Future Strategy:

Review Investment Goals:

Assess whether your current investment allocation aligns with your financial objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Consider rebalancing your portfolio if necessary to ensure it remains in line with your goals.
Risk Management:

Given your age of 43 years, ensure that your portfolio strikes the right balance between growth potential and risk mitigation.
Review the concentration of small and mid-cap funds, which tend to be more volatile.
Performance Monitoring:

Regularly monitor the performance of individual funds against their benchmarks and peer group.
Evaluate the consistency of returns and the fund manager's track record in delivering results.
Asset Allocation:

Consider diversifying across asset classes such as equities, debt, and other alternative investments to reduce portfolio risk.
Reassess the allocation to small and mid-cap funds to ensure adequate diversification.
Conclusion:

Your current mutual fund portfolio demonstrates a well-diversified approach to wealth creation. However, it's essential to periodically review and adjust your investments based on changing market conditions and financial goals. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi I am 42 currently I did SIP of 20k from last 3 years each 1. ELSS each 1k are 1.Axis long term equity 2.mirai asset 3.canara robeco 3.invesco India 4.parag parikh 2.Midcap funds - White Ock 1k 2.Invesco India multi cap fund 1k 3. Thematic fund - 1 Franklin India apportunity fund 5k 4. Multi asset allocation fund - Tata multi asset opp fund 5k 5. Flexi cap fund - 1.kotak multi asset allocator 1k 2.HDFC flexi cap fund 1k 6. Dynamic Asset allocator - Edelweiss balanced Adv 1k 7. Large & Mid cap - Axis growth apportunity fund 1k 8. Small cap fund - Nippon India 1k Suggest me I want invest another 5k
Ans: It's great to see your diversified investment approach through SIPs across various mutual fund categories. Considering your existing portfolio, here's a suggestion for investing an additional 5k:

Given your current allocation, you might want to consider adding to a category where you have relatively lower exposure. Since you already have investments in ELSS, Midcap, Thematic, Multi-Asset Allocation, Flexi Cap, Dynamic Asset Allocator, Large & Mid Cap, and Small Cap funds, you may consider adding to a fund category that complements your existing holdings.

Considering your investment style and the current market scenario, you might want to explore investing in a Balanced Advantage Fund or a Hybrid Equity-Oriented Fund. These funds dynamically allocate between equity and debt instruments based on market conditions, providing a balance of growth potential and downside protection.

Here's a suggested addition to your portfolio:

Balanced Advantage Fund: Invest the additional 5k in a reputable Balanced Advantage Fund that has a proven track record of managing market volatility and delivering consistent returns over the long term.
Ensure you research and select a fund that aligns with your risk tolerance, investment goals, and overall portfolio strategy. Additionally, regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as necessary to stay on track with your financial objectives.

Always remember to consult with a certified financial planner or investment advisor before making any significant changes to your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2024

Listen
Money
Ramalingam I am Murugesan I am 47 years old. Advise me to invest in SIP. Fund name and Amount please
Ans: Hello Murugesan, it's great to hear from you. Considering your age and investment horizon, investing in SIPs can be a wise choice to build wealth over the long term.

Given your age and the potential need for stability in your investment portfolio, you may want to consider a mix of equity and debt funds. Equity funds offer growth potential but come with higher volatility, while debt funds provide stability but typically offer lower returns.

For equity funds, you may consider large-cap or multi-cap funds, which invest in well-established companies with a track record of stable performance. These funds can provide growth potential while mitigating some of the risks associated with smaller companies.

For debt funds, you may look into short-term or medium-term debt funds, which invest in fixed-income securities like government bonds and corporate bonds. These funds offer stability and regular income, making them suitable for investors seeking capital preservation.

As for the amount to invest in SIPs, it's important to determine a comfortable amount based on your financial goals, income, and expenses. A general guideline is to aim for a savings rate of around 10-15% of your income, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances.

It's crucial to choose funds that align with your investment objectives and risk tolerance. I recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can assess your financial situation holistically and recommend a personalized investment strategy tailored to your needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2025
Money
I am 38 years old and self-employed, earning an average of 1.8 to 2 lakhs per month. I have a home loan of 44 lakhs (EMI is 46,000, tenure 15 years). There is no other liabilities. My investments include 11 lakhs in mutual funds, 3 lakhs in fixed deposits, and 1.5 lakh in gold. Should I focus on prepaying the home loan given my irregular income, or keep my investments intact and continue with EMIs?
Ans: You are doing quite well, especially with your investments and controlled liabilities. Your financial discipline is truly appreciable.

You are 38, self-employed, with Rs.1.8 to 2 lakhs monthly income.
Your current home loan is Rs.44 lakhs with EMI of Rs.46,000 for 15 years.
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds, Rs.3 lakhs in FDs, and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.
Your income is irregular, but you have no other liabilities.

Let us now do a 360-degree evaluation of whether to prepay the loan or stay invested.

 

Step-by-Step Financial Assessment
1. Evaluate the Stability of Your Income First
You earn between Rs.1.8 to Rs.2 lakhs per month.

 

But income is irregular. That needs caution.

 

Loan EMI is Rs.46,000 — about 25% of your average income.

 

If income drops in any month, EMI pressure will increase.

 

So we must first ensure EMI is always affordable, without stress.

 

Hence, liquidity is more important for you right now than aggressive loan prepayment.

 

2. Evaluate Your Emergency Reserve
You have Rs.3 lakhs in FD and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.

 

That makes it Rs.4.5 lakhs total liquid safety.

 

Your EMI is Rs.46,000, and personal expenses will also be there.

 

Ideal emergency fund for you = 6 to 9 months of expenses + EMI.

 

That is around Rs.6 to Rs.8 lakhs minimum.

 

So current emergency fund is slightly lower than ideal.

 

Please don’t use this for loan prepayment now.

 

3. Assess the Role of Mutual Funds
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds. That’s a solid step.

Now let’s assess whether to redeem this and prepay loan.

 

Should You Redeem Mutual Funds to Prepay?
Mutual funds, over long term, give better post-tax return than loan savings.

 

Loan interest is 8% to 9%, whereas mutual funds can give 11–13% in long term.

 

Especially if funds are equity-oriented and held for 5+ years.

 

You will also get capital gains tax exemption on Rs.1.25 lakhs LTCG annually.

 

If you redeem funds, you lose growth potential and compounding.

 

That hurts long-term wealth building.

 

So, do not redeem the entire Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds.

 

4. Disadvantage of Early Loan Prepayment in Your Case
Prepaying early will reduce interest over time, yes.

 

But you may run into cash flow stress in slow months.

 

Once money is used to prepay, it cannot be taken back easily.

 

Liquidity once lost = flexibility lost.

 

Also, income tax benefit under Section 24(b) gets reduced if loan balance drops.

 

So it’s better to maintain balance between repayment and investment.

 

5. Best Strategy for You – A Balanced Approach
Let’s now craft the best plan for you.

 

Maintain Strong Liquidity First
Keep FD and gold untouched.

 

Increase emergency fund to at least Rs.6–Rs.7 lakhs.

 

For that, set aside extra Rs.2.5–Rs.3 lakhs from savings over time.

 

This makes your EMI safe even in low-income months.

 

Continue Your Mutual Fund SIPs Without Stopping
SIPs give long-term growth and beat loan interest in most cases.

 

Don’t stop mutual fund investments to prepay loan.

 

Stay invested. Let wealth compound.

 

Start Small and Periodic Prepayments
Don’t do bulk prepayment now. Do systematic small prepayments.

 

For example, Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 extra every 3–4 months.

 

When income is higher, use that surplus to prepay in parts.

 

Target 1–2 bulk part-payments per year.

 

This reduces tenure and interest slowly, without affecting liquidity.

 

Track Your Loan Amortisation Every 6 Months
Use netbanking or get a fresh loan statement every 6 months.

 

Check how each prepayment is reducing principal.

 

Adjust your strategy accordingly.

 

Avoid One-Time Full Prepayment
That would kill your long-term investment compounding.

 

Also removes your income tax benefit under Section 24(b).

 

Stay flexible. You are self-employed.

 

You need cash buffers more than salaried people.

 

Final Insights
Do not do bulk home loan prepayment from mutual funds now.

 

Keep SIPs going and maintain your compounding.

 

Grow your emergency fund to Rs.6–7 lakhs minimum.

 

Use surplus months to make small part-payments towards home loan.

 

This protects your peace and builds wealth at the same time.

 

Reassess in 2–3 years. You may be able to prepay more later.

 

You are already in a good financial position. Your thoughtful approach is praiseworthy.

 

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2025

Money
i wish to purchase new car i10, should i purchase the same through own money or should i take a vehicle loan from bank and the money own by my to be kept as FDR or liquid mutual fund
Ans: It’s a good sign that you’re thinking before buying a car. You’re not rushing into it. That shows maturity and smart thinking.

We will now evaluate own money vs vehicle loan — from every angle.

 

Understanding the Nature of a Car Purchase
A car is not an investment.

 

It is a consumption asset, not a growth asset.

 

It depreciates every year. Its value goes down, not up.

 

So the cheaper the total cost, the better for your wealth.

 

Option 1: Use Own Money Fully
Pros

No interest cost. You save on total expenses.

 

You are free from monthly EMI pressure.

 

Car becomes fully yours from day one.

 

No need to deal with bank, forms, hypothecation etc.

 

Cons

Your liquid money reduces.

 

You may not have enough cash for emergencies.

 

Opportunity loss if you had invested that money.

 

Option 2: Take Vehicle Loan & Keep Own Money in FDR or Liquid Mutual Fund
Let’s evaluate this with care.

Vehicle Loan Pros

You can preserve your savings for emergencies.

 

EMI can be budgeted monthly, if income is stable.

 

Some banks offer competitive interest rates.

 

Vehicle Loan Cons

You will pay interest on a depreciating item.

 

Loan adds to your monthly obligations.

 

You must pay insurance, EMI, fuel, and service together.

 

FDR and Liquid Mutual Funds give lower returns than loan cost.

 

So you will likely lose more in interest than you gain.

 

Let's Compare: Interest Rate vs Investment Return
Vehicle loan interest is usually 9% to 11% per year.

 

FDR gives around 6% to 7% before tax.

 

Liquid mutual funds give 6% to 7.5% on average.

 

So you pay more to the bank than you earn from investment.

 

Tax on interest or gains reduces actual return further.

 

This means taking a car loan and investing your own money leads to net loss.

 

Best Option for You: Smart Compromise Approach
Let me share a wise solution.

 

Don’t use full own money. Don’t take full loan either.

 

Instead, pay 70–80% from own funds.

 

Take a small car loan for the remaining 20–30% only.

 

This keeps EMI low and retains some liquidity.

 

You reduce interest cost and also keep Rs.50,000–Rs.1 lakh aside.

 

Park that in liquid fund for any urgent need.

 

Repay this small loan fast in 1–2 years.

 

Only Take a Car Loan If:
Your job income is stable.

 

You already have 3–6 months emergency fund ready.

 

You don’t have big loans running now.

 

You can pay EMI without affecting savings.

 

You commit to close the loan early.

 

Avoid This Mistake:
Never buy a more expensive car because loan makes it “feel affordable.”

 

Loan should not expand your car budget.

 

Whether you buy with loan or cash, pick a simple car within limits.

 

i10 is a wise, middle-ground choice. Good thought.

 

Tax Angle (If Business Use)
If you are using the car for business, vehicle loan interest may be tax-deductible.

 

But for personal use, there is no tax benefit.

 

So do not take loan just for imagined tax saving.

 

Final Insights
A car is a need, not an investment.

 

Using your own money fully keeps things simple and cheap.

 

Taking a full car loan and investing the money gives net negative return.

 

Best option is a split approach — pay major part from own funds.

 

Take small loan only if needed and close it early.

 

Always keep emergency money aside before buying.

 

Avoid emotional buying or overbudget cars.

 

Your financially balanced approach is very appreciable.

 

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.

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