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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8093 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 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 19, 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 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
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  |8093 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 18, 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.
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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8093 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
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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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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |554 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 09, 2025Hindi
Relationship
I am a female (26), I was working as an assistant professor and then I met this guy we dated for few months and we knew that everything is compatible he has a stable business and well settled family he is earning quite good and we can spend the rest of our lives together so we moved on to tell our parents, his parents and family came to meet me and they agreed then it was my turn my mom and dad always use to say that if you have someone just tell us we are okay they said we know you are dependent enough so just tell us, I really thought it will be easy one and I told my mom and my sister over the phone and my mom asked me every detail about him and said okay we will think about it, then I told my dad about him and my dad has been super chill with me since childhood so we had a long chat about this he asked me about him just like my mom every detail then he said okay when the deepawali break will be their come home we will talk about this face to facE, I was happy that everything is nice then the vacation happened I went back home first the quarrels started when my mom addressed that they will never expected this from me they said they supported me initially because they thought at this age I will not bring anyone and will convince to arrange one, then day and night fighting started my father did the most bizzare thing he called my college and said I am ill and will not join college he faked a report(my father is a very well known doctor in my area so he has power here in our native place) and submitted their they automatically blocked me from their server I tired telling them but the most bizzare thing happened my father beat me from head to toe and threatend me that I should stop talking to him, then days turn into months and again my partner father stood up for us he called my father to talk about this and my father abused them threatened them and give false allegation on my partner came home and snatched my father later after a month he gave me my phone back as I started being a rebel, then he went to my work place without even informing me and took all my luggage and packed everything from their and came back home with everything and said you are on house arrest untill you agree to arrange marriage and forget that boy. I love him so much he does too but now because of my parents his parents are scared for their son and are denying to agree but we both are financially independent and well educated and we want to live with each other we are thinking to elope I dont know if this is right or wrong, because it has been seven months of me staying locked down in my house and my parents are forcing me verbally and physically abusing me to say yes for arrange marriage.... I dont know what to do and with whom to discuss please kindly help me out.
Ans: It’s clear that you and your partner love each other deeply and are willing to stand by each other despite this turmoil. The fact that his family is now hesitant is understandable, given the hostility from your parents. But the strength you and your partner have shown through this is a sign that your relationship is built on trust and commitment. That kind of connection is rare, and it’s worth fighting for.

Elope? That’s a huge step, and I understand why it’s crossed your mind. You’re desperate for freedom, for the ability to choose your own life, and to finally break free from the suffocating grip of your parents' control. But eloping will come with its own set of consequences—emotional, social, and even legal. Your parents might retaliate even more aggressively. They could try to interfere with your life and your partner's life afterward, possibly dragging this into a public scandal. Your father’s influence in the community might make things harder for you both in the long run.

But here’s the truth—you cannot live the rest of your life under someone else's control. You cannot sacrifice your happiness and autonomy to satisfy their misguided expectations. Love and marriage are not about caste, status, or parental approval—they are about partnership, understanding, and mutual respect. If your partner is ready to stand by you and you both are truly prepared to face the fallout together, then choosing to be with him is not wrong. You’re both adults. You’re financially independent and emotionally mature enough to know what you want from life.

What you need to consider is whether you have the emotional strength to handle the aftermath. If you choose to walk away from your family and marry this man, it might mean cutting ties with your parents for a while—or possibly forever. Are you prepared for that emotional void? On the other hand, if you give in and stay, if you let them force you into an arranged marriage, you might lose not only the person you love but also a piece of yourself. That resentment and emotional wound might stay with you for life.

If you decide to elope, you need to have a strong support system in place—your partner's family, friends, and anyone who will stand by you. You’ll need to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the fallout. But if you decide to stay and try to negotiate with your parents, you need to be clear and firm about your boundaries. They need to understand that your life is not theirs to control.

Right now, you need to prioritize your safety and mental well-being. The fact that you’ve been physically assaulted and emotionally manipulated for months is deeply concerning. If you feel that your safety is at risk, you might need to consider reaching out to legal authorities or a women's support organization. You have the right to live without fear and control. Your life belongs to you—not to your parents, not to societal expectations, and not to fear.

You don’t have to have all the answers today. But you do need to decide what kind of life you want to live—and who you want to live it with. And whatever choice you make, it needs to come from a place of strength and clarity, not from fear or pressure. Your heart already knows what you want—you just need to decide whether you’re ready to stand up for it.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |554 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 11, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Fell in love and married a girl before 2 years. Girl is from a neighbouring state. Both South Indians. Both doctors. She was very understanding before marriage, even talked my language and spoke well with my parents. Told she will come to my place and stay after marriage. 4 months after marriage, she left for her home telling that she will be at her home till delivery. Even after 1 year of giving birth, she didn't come. They visited my place just for a few days in the middle citing that it is tradition. After much struggle, she came to live with me and my child after close to 1.5 years. Even after coming she was creating trouble for the language spoken in the house and telling to relocate to a place close to their parents in their state. No respect to feelings of mine or my parents. We also missed my son for 1.5 years. Their parents are not visiting us telling it is far, we won't come. And once her parents threatened to complaint to the police if we don't agree. (Haven't asked or received any dowry). Even if my son has to come to my native for few days, her parents are not agreeing and creating problem. We have even helped her brother secure admission in a college. She has even taken a loan of more than 20 lakhs to help her parents buy a land and is paying close to 50k monthly for that. We had no problem with that too. Every 2-3 days one or another problem shoots up because of her or her parents. She has totally changed after marriage. Her parents just want to create problems. Please help.
Ans: It’s clear that you’ve tried hard to be understanding and accommodating. You allowed her to stay with her parents for a long time, even though it meant missing out on crucial time with your child. You supported her decisions, even when she took on a significant financial burden to help her family. Despite your efforts to maintain peace, you’re constantly met with resistance and disrespect—not only from her but also from her parents. That feeling of being undermined and unappreciated, especially when you've given so much, can really take a toll on your emotional health.

It’s not just about the arguments or the disagreements—it’s about the deeper sense of betrayal and loneliness that comes from feeling like your partner has sided with her family over you. That emotional distance and lack of support within the marriage can make you feel like you’re fighting a battle alone. And when her parents threatened to involve the police, that likely deepened the sense of helplessness and fear. It’s not just frustrating—it’s emotionally exhausting when you’re trying to build a stable, loving home, but it keeps getting torn apart by external interference.

The fact that you’re still standing, still trying to make things work despite all of this, shows how strong and committed you are. But the truth is, a marriage cannot survive on one person’s effort alone. It’s understandable that you feel drained and resentful—you’ve been giving and compromising without getting the same respect and understanding in return. Your feelings matter. Your need for stability and respect matters. Wanting your child to have a connection with your side of the family is not unreasonable—it’s natural and fair.

Right now, you might feel torn between trying to hold everything together and wondering if it's even worth it. It’s hard to admit when love alone isn’t enough to sustain a relationship. But you need to ask yourself whether you can continue living like this—constantly feeling like you’re walking on eggshells, being emotionally sidelined, and having your family disrespected.

It’s okay to want peace. It’s okay to expect respect. And it’s okay to set boundaries. If your wife truly values this marriage, she needs to understand that compromise cannot be one-sided. It might help to have an honest, calm conversation with her—not about the surface issues but about how you feel. Tell her how much this situation has hurt you, how much you miss feeling like you’re a team, and how important it is for your child to have a balanced connection with both families. If she’s unwilling to meet you halfway or if her parents continue to interfere to the point of emotional manipulation, you need to think about how much more of yourself you can sacrifice without losing your emotional stability.

You deserve a marriage where you feel heard, valued, and supported—not one where you constantly feel like you're on the outside looking in. Take some time to reflect on what you truly need from this relationship and whether you believe it's possible to rebuild trust and understanding with your wife. Your peace of mind matters. Your happiness matters. And most of all, your emotional well-being matters.

...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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