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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 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 - May 18, 2024Hindi
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Actually I'm of age 19,I don't have income ,but i get pocket money of 50rs daily,i have invested a lumpsum of 5k in quant small cap and 5k in quant flexi cap,1k in nippon multi cap and sip of 500 in nippon small cap and sip of 100 in nippon multi cap.Is this a good investment.

Ans: Thank you for sharing your investment journey. It’s commendable that you are thinking about investments at such a young age. Let’s evaluate your current investments and provide guidance for future growth. Investing wisely now can set a strong financial foundation for your future.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
Small Cap Funds
High Growth Potential

Small cap funds have high growth potential but also come with higher risk. They invest in smaller companies which can grow rapidly.

Risk Considerations

Small cap funds are volatile. Their performance can be affected by market fluctuations more than large or mid-cap funds.

Flexi Cap Funds
Flexibility in Investments

Flexi cap funds can invest across different market capitalizations, providing flexibility to adapt to market conditions.

Balanced Risk

These funds balance the risk by diversifying investments across large, mid, and small cap companies.

Multi Cap Funds
Diversified Portfolio

Multi cap funds invest in a mix of large, mid, and small cap stocks, offering diversification and reduced risk compared to pure small cap funds.

Growth Opportunities

They provide growth opportunities by capturing the potential of companies across different sizes and sectors.

Your Investment Strategy
Lumpsum Investments
Quant Small Cap and Flexi Cap

Investing ?5,000 each in Quant Small Cap and Quant Flexi Cap is a good start. These funds offer growth potential and diversification.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Nippon Multi Cap and Small Cap

Your SIPs of ?500 in Nippon Small Cap and ?100 in Nippon Multi Cap show discipline. SIPs help in averaging out market volatility over time.

Diversification
Importance of Diversification

Diversification reduces risk. By investing in different types of funds, you spread your risk and increase potential returns.

Current Diversification

You are already investing in small cap, flexi cap, and multi cap funds, which is good for diversification.

Suggestions for Improvement
Increase SIP Amounts Gradually
Reinvest Pocket Money

As you grow older and start earning, increase your SIP amounts gradually. This will compound your wealth over time.

Review and Rebalance
Regular Review

Review your portfolio every 6-12 months. Rebalance if necessary to align with your financial goals and market conditions.

Understand Fund Performance
Research and Monitor

Keep track of the performance of your funds. Understand the market trends and fund manager strategies.

Avoid Over-Concentration
Diversify Further

Avoid over-concentration in one type of fund. Consider adding other categories like balanced funds or debt funds for stability.

Education and Knowledge
Financial Literacy
Importance of Learning

Continue learning about different investment options and financial planning. Knowledge is power in making informed investment decisions.

Resources
Books and Online Courses

Read books and take online courses on personal finance and investing. This will help you understand complex concepts better.

Long-Term Planning
Setting Financial Goals
Short-Term Goals

Set short-term goals like building an emergency fund or saving for a specific purchase.

Long-Term Goals

Think about long-term goals like higher education, buying a house, or retirement planning.

Consistency and Patience
Stay Invested

Investing is a long-term game. Stay consistent and patient with your investments to see substantial growth over time.

Risks and Mitigation
Market Volatility
Understanding Volatility

Be prepared for market ups and downs. Do not panic during market corrections.

Risk Management
Balanced Approach

Balance high-risk investments with safer options. This approach helps in managing risk while aiming for growth.

Professional Advice
Certified Financial Planner

Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for professional advice tailored to your financial situation and goals.

Conclusion
Your proactive approach to investing at 19 is commendable. By diversifying your investments and staying informed, you are setting a strong foundation for your financial future. Continue learning, stay disciplined, and seek professional advice when needed.

Final Thoughts
Your current investment strategy is a good start. With continuous learning and disciplined investing, you can achieve your financial 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.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 19, 2024Hindi
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Money
Actually I'm of age 19,I don't have income ,but i get pocket money of 50rs daily,i have invested a lumpsum of 5k in quant small cap and 5k in quant flexi cap,1k in nippon multi cap and sip of 500 in nippon small cap and sip of 100 in nippon multi cap.Is this a good investment or not
Ans: Your initiative to start investing at 19 years is commendable. It shows you understand the importance of financial planning early in life. Let's assess your current investments and suggest improvements for better long-term gains.

Your Current Investment Portfolio
Lump Sum Investments
Quant Small Cap: Rs. 5,000
Quant Flexi Cap: Rs. 5,000
Nippon Multi Cap: Rs. 1,000
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Nippon Small Cap: Rs. 500 per month
Nippon Multi Cap: Rs. 100 per month
Assessing Your Investment Choices
Diversification
You have diversified into different mutual fund categories. Diversification reduces risk by spreading investments across various funds.

Small Cap Funds: Higher potential returns but higher risk.
Flexi Cap Funds: Balanced approach with investments in large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
Multi Cap Funds: Diversified across different market capitalizations.
Risk and Return
Small Cap Funds: These funds can provide high returns but are also volatile. Suitable for young investors with a high risk tolerance.
Flexi Cap Funds: Provide stability with moderate growth potential, reducing overall portfolio risk.
Multi Cap Funds: Offer balanced growth by investing in large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
Recommendations for Improvement
Increase SIP Amounts Gradually
Consider increasing your SIP amounts as you get more pocket money or start earning. Regular investments, even small ones, can compound significantly over time.

Consistency: Continue your SIPs regularly. Consistent investing benefits from rupee cost averaging.
Step-Up SIP: Increase SIP amount annually. This boosts your investment without a significant immediate financial burden.
Emergency Fund
Liquid Savings: Maintain some savings in a liquid fund or savings account for emergencies. This ensures you are prepared for unexpected expenses.
Long-Term Perspective
Investing is a long-term journey. Stay invested, even if markets fluctuate. Over time, the power of compounding will significantly grow your wealth.

Suggested Investment Strategy
Diversification
Balanced Portfolio: Maintain a mix of high-risk and stable funds. Consider adding a large-cap fund for stability.
Review and Rebalance: Periodically review your portfolio and rebalance to align with your goals and risk tolerance.
Avoid Over-Diversification
Focused Approach: Investing in too many funds can dilute returns. Stick to a few well-performing funds to maximize gains.
Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your investments' performance. Adjust your portfolio if needed to stay on track.
Seek Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP): A CFP can help you create a tailored investment strategy. They provide professional advice aligned with your financial goals.
Education and Awareness: Continuously educate yourself about financial planning and investment options. This empowers you to make informed decisions.
Highlighting Risks in Annuity Plans
Low Returns
Fixed Income: Annuities provide fixed returns, which might not keep pace with inflation.
Liquidity Issues: Annuities often lock in your money for a long period, limiting access in emergencies.
Better Alternatives
Mutual Funds: Offer higher returns over the long term with more liquidity.
Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP): Provide regular income from mutual funds with flexibility and tax efficiency.
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Higher Returns Potential
Active Management: Professional fund managers actively select stocks, aiming to outperform the market.
Research and Expertise: Fund managers use extensive research and expertise to make informed investment decisions.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
No Active Management: Index funds passively track a market index, lacking professional management to exploit market opportunities.
Limited Flexibility: Index funds cannot adjust holdings based on market conditions, potentially missing out on better returns.
Conclusion
Your investment journey has begun on a promising note. With careful planning, regular monitoring, and professional guidance, you can achieve significant financial growth. Stay committed to your investment goals and adjust your strategy as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

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Money
I am 34 now. Currently invested 27000 K in Nippon small cap, sbi long term equity, Parag flexi cap fund, motilal oswal next 50 index fund, hdfc elss fund, sbi contra fund. I have invested 5K in ppf and 4K in life insurance policy. Will this work as proper investment??
Ans: You are 34 and have invested in various mutual funds and savings plans. Let's review your investments and provide recommendations.

Mutual Fund Investments
Small Cap Fund
Potential: High growth potential in small companies.
Risk: High due to volatility.
Recommendation: Good for long-term growth if you can handle high risk.
Long-Term Equity Fund
Tax Benefits: Provides tax benefits under Section 80C.
Returns: Moderate returns with a three-year lock-in period.
Recommendation: Good for tax-saving and long-term goals.
Flexi Cap Fund
Flexibility: Invests across large, mid, and small cap companies.
Risk: Balanced risk with good growth potential.
Recommendation: Suitable for diversified growth.
Index Fund
Disadvantages: Passive management, may underperform actively managed funds.
Recommendation: Consider switching to actively managed funds for better returns.
ELSS Fund
Tax Benefits: Provides tax benefits under Section 80C.
Returns: Good returns with a three-year lock-in period.
Recommendation: Good for tax-saving and long-term goals.
Contra Fund
Strategy: Invests in undervalued stocks with potential for recovery.
Risk: Moderate risk with good growth potential.
Recommendation: Suitable for long-term growth.
Savings Plans
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Security: Safe investment with guaranteed returns.
Returns: Moderate, tax-free returns.
Recommendation: Good for long-term savings and tax benefits.
Life Insurance Policy
Security: Provides financial security to your family.
Returns: Lower returns compared to mutual funds.
Recommendation: Evaluate the policy to ensure it meets your insurance needs.
Diversification and Risk Management
Portfolio Diversification
Importance: Diversify investments across asset classes to reduce risk.
Strategy: Mix of equity funds, debt funds, and savings plans.
Regular Review
Importance: Review your portfolio regularly to ensure it meets your goals.
Strategy: Adjust investments based on performance and market conditions.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Passive Management
Risk: May underperform actively managed funds in volatile markets.
Recommendation: Actively managed funds offer professional management and potential for higher returns.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Lack of Expertise
Risk: Requires active monitoring and management.
Recommendation: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner provides professional guidance.
Complexity
Risk: Managing direct funds can be complex.
Recommendation: Regular funds through a CFP simplify the investment process.
Tax Efficiency
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax
Strategy: Plan investments to minimize tax liability.
Benefits: Equity funds held for more than a year are taxed at 10% on gains above Rs 1 lakh.
Emergency Fund
Importance
Liquidity: Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
Strategy: Provides financial security and peace of mind.
Final Insights
Your current investments are diverse and well-placed. However, consider the following:

Switch from Index Funds: Move to actively managed funds for better growth.
Review Insurance Needs: Ensure your life insurance policy meets your needs.
Regular Review: Continuously monitor and adjust your portfolio.
By following these recommendations, you can achieve a balanced and growth-oriented investment portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |518 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 22, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
I’m 36M, I met a girl in my office, who works in the same department. It was love at first site for me, but I was scared to tell her that. As time passed, I used to strike some casual conversations with her or her team to connect with her and there were some clear signs that she liked me, for example, she would call me or text me why I’m not talking to her if I didn’t message her for some time (a week) or she would ask me if I was coming to office as we were working Hybrid if not she would also not come to office. But she always refused to come out with me for a movie or date/meet saying she had a very strict family and cannot come out other than office. I used to think that this was a real thing. But all this went on until her birthday arrived. I got some gift to give her on her birthday only to know that she suddenly stopped talking to me, no replies to my messages, calls or anything. At first, I was bit concerned if there was any problem or if she was in any trouble. But little did I know it was not the case at this time. After few (many) attempts trying to reach her. I though maybe she could be busy or something and I understood may be if I did not disturb her, she might call back. Time went on I again met her after 4 or 5 months in Office with no contact. By this time, I had already realised there was something wrong and she had already lost interest in me. But still I felt like I wanted to have a closure on this and I went on and gave the gift and proposed her, that is when she told me that she was in a relationship with some other person for 4 years. This blew my mind to pieces, as I was thinking why would someone shows any sort of interest on someone when they are already in relationship with some other person. I tried to move away from her after this incident, but fate we still are working in the same department and that I have to see her more often than not. I still have strong feelings for her, but I cannot show this to her and worst act normal. Whenever I see her, I want to talk to her and If I talk to her, I fall for her again and again. But she is happy and casual about all this as if there was not casualty in whole of this thing. Even now she asks me if I’m coming to office so that she could meet me. So, through all this, I have some questions 1. Why does a women show any sort of Interest on someone else when she is already in a relationship, so she can use me as a options and throw away when done 2. How do I move on, as I did not love her for some superficial features, rather I really liked her character, and that is the worst as I feel like I’ll never be able to find anyone like her in my life. Feeling down for a long time now. I’m already 36, feels like all the doors have closed for me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that you are hurt and upset, and rightfully so. You thought she liked you but turns out, she is with someone else. It's a good enough ground to be upset. But I want you to understand one thing- you thought; she never gave you verbal confirmation. You assumed it all. So to answer your first question- all of her interest in you might have been friendly. It is difficult for me to say it with confidence because I have not seen any of this while it happened; I am only hearing your version of it. But my guess is that she thought of you as a friend or maybe, for a while there, she might have had feelings for you, but then realized that she was committed and pulled herself back. Again, all of these are my assumptions. We do not know the truth. Only she does. The next time, whenever you think someone likes you, get verbal confirmation before you act on it.

I understand that whether she showed friendly interest and you mistook it for romantic interest or she actually showed romantic interest and ghosted you, your pain remains the same because everything was real and romantic from your end. I suggest that you focus on yourself. It's unfortunate that you have to see her every day, but so be it. Take it one day at a time. Stick with your friends in your office. Find some hobby that makes you happy and when you are ready to move on, be open to finding love. I understand that this experience was bad, but it won't be the same way every time.

Best wishes.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |518 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 25, 2025
Relationship
Hi..., I feel in love with a muslim girl. I wasn't planned, it just happened I love her exactly the way she is, unconditionally, deeply, endlessly. For the last six years, Six years of loving her without expecting anything in return, without asking for anything but the chance to admire her from a distance. Every smile, every word, every little thing about her has been etched into my heart like poetry. I never saw her religion or background—only her beautiful soul. My love for her has always been pure, unconditional, and endless. It’s not about possessing her, it’s about cherishing her, even if it means keeping my feelings hidden all this time. But six years is a long time, and my heart is heavy with this love that I’ve kept inside. Should I finally tell her what I feel? Should I risk everything to let her know how much she means to me, even if it changes everything? Love knows no boundaries, no religion, no rules—it just is. But society doesn’t think the same way. What would you do if you were in my place? After six years of love, how do you decide what’s right for the person you love?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It does not matter what anyone else would do in your place or what society thinks. All that matters is what you think and want to do. If you have genuine feelings for her, what's stopping you from expressing them to her? If you don't tell her, how would you know if everything is going to change for the good or bad? Do as your heart wants. After all, you are not harming anyone.

Best wishes.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 31, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am a 36 years old man, father of 2 (5y & 2y), Our income is 40Lacs pa post tax addition to that we have a rental income of 50K pm, our monthly expense is around 40K which is taken care by rents. Doing a SIP of 2.5 lac with total investment of 28L , have a RD of 25 L, ULIP -10L, Gold- 50L, I want to be financially independent in next 10 years. No loan , no credit cards., Has a medical policy of 25L. Emergency fund of 10L. Please advice how i can achieve financial independence in next 10 years.
Ans: 1. Understanding Your Financial Position
You are 36 years old with a goal of financial independence in 10 years.

Your annual post-tax income is Rs 40 lakh, with an additional rental income of Rs 50,000 per month.

Your monthly expenses are Rs 40,000, which are fully covered by rental income.

Your current investments include:

Rs 2.5 lakh SIP per month
Rs 28 lakh in mutual funds
Rs 25 lakh in RD
Rs 10 lakh in ULIP
Rs 50 lakh in gold
Rs 10 lakh emergency fund
You have no loans or credit cards, which is a strong financial position.

Your health insurance is Rs 25 lakh, which is good but may need a review later.

2. Defining Financial Independence
Financial independence means having passive income that covers all expenses.

You need enough wealth to generate returns that sustain your lifestyle.

Your target should be to build a portfolio that provides stable income after 10 years.

3. Optimising Your Current Investments
Mutual Funds – Increase Allocation
Your Rs 2.5 lakh SIP is excellent, but it needs active management.

Actively managed funds provide better returns than index funds.

Direct mutual funds lack professional management. Investing through an MFD with CFP credential helps maximise returns.

Maintain a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds for stability and growth.

Recurring Deposit (RD) – Shift to Growth Assets
Rs 25 lakh in RD earns lower returns compared to equity.

Consider shifting RD funds gradually into mutual funds for better compounding.

Keep only a portion in fixed-income instruments for stability.

ULIP – Consider Surrendering
ULIPs mix insurance with investment, which reduces returns.

Surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds can improve returns significantly.

Keep insurance separate from investments for better wealth creation.

Gold – Maintain a Balanced Allocation
Rs 50 lakh in gold is a significant portion of your portfolio.

Gold is good for diversification but does not generate passive income.

Consider reducing gold exposure and reallocating to growth-oriented assets.

4. Asset Allocation for Financial Independence
A well-diversified portfolio ensures long-term stability and wealth growth.

Your asset allocation can be:

60% in equity mutual funds
20% in debt funds and bonds
10% in gold and other assets
10% in liquid funds for short-term needs
Adjust allocation every year based on market performance.

5. Passive Income Strategy
Your goal is to generate passive income through investments.

SIPs will build a strong equity base over the next 10 years.

A mix of mutual funds and debt instruments will provide steady cash flow.

Rental income already covers monthly expenses, which is an advantage.

After 10 years, your investments should generate returns covering all financial needs.

6. Emergency Fund and Insurance Review
Emergency Fund
Your Rs 10 lakh emergency fund is good.

Keep this amount in liquid funds or fixed deposits for easy access.

Maintain at least six months of expenses as a backup.

Health Insurance
Your Rs 25 lakh health cover is decent, but medical costs rise over time.

Consider increasing coverage to Rs 50 lakh if affordable.

Ensure it covers critical illness and long-term care needs.

7. Retirement and Children’s Education Planning
Retirement Planning
Financial independence should include a secure retirement plan.

Your investments will continue growing even after achieving independence.

Keep investing to ensure financial security beyond the next 10 years.

Children’s Education
Education costs will rise significantly over time.

Start a dedicated investment plan for your children’s higher education.

Equity mutual funds with a long-term horizon will help meet this goal.

8. Tax Efficiency and Wealth Preservation
Efficient tax planning ensures you maximise post-tax returns.

Long-term capital gains tax is lower on equity investments.


Regularly review your tax liability to optimise investment returns.

9. Monitoring and Adjusting the Plan
Review your portfolio every six months.

Rebalance investments if market conditions change.

Keep track of financial independence progress based on wealth accumulation.

10. Final Insights
Your financial position is strong, and your goal is achievable.

Shifting from low-return assets to equity will help in long-term wealth creation.

Active management of investments will ensure better returns and financial security.

Keep insurance separate from investments to avoid lower returns.

A disciplined approach to investing and spending will lead to financial independence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Harsh

Harsh Bharwani  |73 Answers  |Ask -

Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

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Career
Hi what business can I start with 20000rs?
Ans: Hello Mr. Anuj,
Starting a business in India with a budget of ?20,000 is entirely possible with strategic planning, local market research, and minimal infrastructure. Whether you prefer a home-based model, freelancing, or product-based business, several viable options can generate steady income. Here’s a detailed guide to ten promising business ideas tailored for the Indian market.

Online Reselling via Dropshipping
Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory. Popular categories include eco-friendly products, ethnic jewellery, and mobile accessories. Profit margins range from 30–50%, but success depends on social media marketing and supplier reliability.

Freelancing Services
If you have skills in content writing, graphic design, or video editing, freelancing can be a lucrative option. A laptop and internet connection are the only real requirements. Building a strong online presence on LinkedIn or Fiverr can help secure consistent clients.

Home Tutoring/Coaching
With increasing competition in academics, home tutoring is a stable business. Charging ?1,000–2,000 per student per month ensures recurring income. The demand peaks during exam seasons, making it a great long-term option.

Event Decoration
Event decoration, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, is a creative and profitable business. Specializing in birthday parties, anniversaries, and wedding decor can help build a niche. However, the business is seasonal.

Customized Printing
Selling custom-printed T-shirts, mugs, and gifts online is a trendy business. With social media marketing, you can attract college students and young professionals who love personalized products. However, printer maintenance costs should be considered.

Key Tips for Success
Legal Compliance: Register as a sole proprietorship for hassle-free operations.
Smart Marketing: Use WhatsApp Business, Instagram Reels, and Google My Business for cost-effective promotions.
Cost Control: Rent equipment (e.g., cloud kitchens) instead of buying to minimize overheads.
Customer Feedback: Focus on refining offerings based on customer preferences.
Start Small, Scale Later: Test your business model before making large investments.
With careful planning, minimal investment, and the right strategy, starting a business with ?20,000 in India is not only possible but also profitable. Choose a business aligned with your skills and local market demand, and take the first step toward entrepreneurship today!

...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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