Ramalingam Kalirajan |11027 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 13, 2026

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 11, 2026Hindi

I need some advice on the investments which i have made - i am not sure whether they will be doing good not in the future 1) I have invested Rs 5 lacs JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund (Regular) in the year Oct 2024 oct but till date its not showing up good results as on date its on negative returns the invested value is 4,65651 with - 6.87% 2) Bank of India -Business cycle fund- Regular plan- Growth Invested 1 ) lac and its current value 87395 -12.60 3) JM small cap fund Regular growth option ( G) Investing through SIP mode Invested value so far -84995 and current value - 80539 Abs returns - 5.24% 4) JM Value fund Regular growth option ( G) Investing through SIP mode Invested value so far -84995 and current value - 81805 Abs returns - 3.75% ( since ) sep 2024 -- 5) HDFC Balance Advantage FUnd Regular plan Growth (G) invested value 5,00000- Current value - 521982 Returns - 4.40 % I am not complete sure what to do here Should i keep invested in this or do i need to switch to other funds . I am waiting on this from almost 1 year now but now seeing any growth but my broker through iam invested in this he is not giving me any good suggestion or advice .please help me here with the path forward plan .Iam not sure whether these funds will give me good returns in future or not ? please suggest

Ans: I appreciate your honesty and patience with your investments.
Your concern is valid and deserves clarity.
You are thinking like a responsible long-term investor.
That itself is a strong foundation.

» Current Situation Overview
– You invested mainly during late 2024.
– Markets after that phase were volatile.
– Mid and small segments corrected sharply.
– Hybrid strategies also felt short-term pressure.
– One year is a very short review period.

Short-term disappointment does not mean long-term failure.
Many strong portfolios look weak during such phases.
This phase tests discipline more than intelligence.

» Understanding Why Returns Look Weak
– Equity markets move in cycles, not straight lines.
– Business cycle themes correct deeply during slowdowns.
– Small companies fall more during fear-driven markets.
– Value strategies take time to reflect true worth.
– Hybrid funds also reduce equity exposure during volatility.

Your funds reacted exactly as their design intended.
They protected downside rather than chasing risky returns.
This behaviour is not a fault.

» Behaviour of Aggressive Hybrid Category
– These funds balance equity and debt dynamically.
– They reduce equity during uncertain conditions.
– Short-term returns look muted during such periods.
– Long-term stability is the primary objective.

These funds suit patient investors seeking smoother journeys.
They are not meant for quick appreciation.

» Behaviour of Business Cycle Oriented Category
– These funds follow economic phases actively.
– Performance depends on correct cycle identification.
– Short-term underperformance is common.
– Long-term rewards come after economic revival.

This category demands higher patience.
Exit decisions should not be emotional here.

» Behaviour of Small Size Company Category
– Small companies are highly sensitive to liquidity.
– Corrections are always sharper than large companies.
– Recovery also happens faster during upcycles.
– SIP investments face temporary negative phases often.

Negative SIP returns during first year are normal.
This phase helps accumulate units cheaply.

» Behaviour of Value Oriented Category
– Value strategies wait for recognition of undervalued stocks.
– Markets often ignore value for long periods.
– Sudden rerating brings strong future returns.

Value investing tests emotional endurance.
Time is the biggest ally here.

» Behaviour of Dynamic Asset Allocation Category
– These funds change equity exposure based on valuation.
– Equity allocation reduces during expensive markets.
– Short-term upside feels limited.
– Downside protection remains strong.

These funds focus on capital preservation first.
Returns improve when valuations normalise.

» Assessment of Your Holding Period
– Your holding period is less than eighteen months.
– Equity funds need minimum five years ideally.
– Some categories need seven years or more.
– One-year evaluation gives misleading signals.

Judging now will create avoidable regret later.

» Role of Market Timing in Your Experience
– You entered after a strong market run.
– Markets corrected soon after entry.
– This timing issue is common.
– It does not define fund quality.

Timing risk fades with longer holding periods.

» Should You Exit Everything Now
– Panic exits lock losses permanently.
– Switching during corrections compounds mistakes.
– Recovery phases often surprise investors.

Exit decisions should follow logic, not discomfort.

» What Actually Needs Attention Now
– Portfolio structure needs clarity.
– Category overlap requires review.
– Goal alignment must be checked.
– Time horizon needs reconfirmation.

The problem is not performance alone.
The problem is lack of a clear roadmap.

» Quality of Fund Selection
– Your categories chosen are growth-oriented.
– Risk profile suits long-term wealth creation.
– Diversification exists across strategies.

Selection intent appears reasonable.
Execution guidance was weak.

» Role of Regular Plans
– Regular plans offer ongoing monitoring.
– Certified Financial Planner support adds discipline.
– Behavioural guidance avoids emotional mistakes.

The issue is not regular structure.
The issue is lack of proactive advice.

» What a Sensible Path Forward Looks Like
– Do not redeem everything together.
– Do not chase recent performers.
– Do not react to one-year data.

Stability now brings rewards later.

» Step One: Reconfirm Your Goals
– Identify each investment goal clearly.
– Map time horizon for every goal.
– Equity suits goals beyond five years.

Without goals, performance always feels disappointing.

» Step Two: Rebalance Gradually
– Reduce overlap within similar styles.
– Avoid too many high-risk categories.
– Maintain balance across growth and stability.

Rebalancing should be slow and structured.

» Step Three: SIP Continuation Strategy
– Continue SIPs during corrections.
– Volatility improves long-term returns.
– Stopping SIPs harms compounding.

This phase is accumulation-friendly.

» Step Four: Lumpsum Review Strategy
– Lumpsum investments need longer patience.
– Review after three full market cycles.
– Avoid switching before that period.

Time heals lumpsum anxiety.

» Step Five: Monitor Process, Not Numbers
– Check portfolio alignment yearly.
– Avoid frequent return tracking.
– Focus on discipline consistency.

Wealth grows quietly, not loudly.

» Tax Considerations if You Exit Early
– Short-term equity gains face higher tax.
– Losses booked early delay recovery.
– Tax impact reduces net outcomes.

Tax efficiency favours patience.

» Emotional Side of Investing
– Discomfort is part of equity investing.
– Markets reward calm investors.
– Anxiety peaks before recovery often.

Your feeling is shared by many investors now.

» Why Your Broker’s Silence Hurts
– Lack of explanation creates doubt.
– Absence of review increases fear.
– Guidance matters more during corrections.

This gap needs correction immediately.

» Importance of Certified Financial Planner Support
– CFP guidance focuses on behaviour control.
– Portfolio decisions become process-driven.
– Emotional mistakes reduce drastically.

Advice matters more than fund choice.

» 360 Degree View on Your Situation
– Investments are not broken.
– Expectations were misaligned.
– Time horizon understanding was incomplete.
– Ongoing advice was missing.

These issues are fixable.

» What You Should Absolutely Avoid Now
– Do not exit due to fear.
– Do not compare with recent winners.
– Do not expect linear growth.

Patience remains your strongest asset.

» What You Should Start Doing Now
– Demand structured reviews.
– Seek CFP-led monitoring.
– Align portfolio with life goals.

Confidence returns with clarity.

» Finally
– Your portfolio is passing a stress test.
– Staying invested improves long-term probability.
– Discipline now creates future comfort.

You are closer to success than you feel.
Time and structure will reward you.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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.

Money1Reply

Ans: You have made a significant move by taking early retirement and stepping into mutual funds. Your clarity of purpose—capital appreciation and monthly income of Rs. 2.5 lakhs—is well articulated. Investing Rs. 7.5 crore in a structured way with a mix of income-generating instruments and mutual funds shows you are serious about financial freedom.

? Investment Strategy Assessment

– Your split between fixed income (Chola bonds, Shriram FD) and mutual funds shows balance.

– Rs. 80 lakh in fixed income at above 8% yields nearly Rs. 6.5 lakh/year. That covers around Rs. 54K/month. It's a good start.

– Rs. 2 crore already in growth-oriented mutual funds shows intent for long-term appreciation.

– You’ve chosen asset allocation, flexi cap, multi-asset, and opportunities-oriented funds. This adds good diversification.

– The plan to further deploy Rs. 4.7 crore into balanced and existing funds spreads risk and potential return across market cycles.

– The monthly withdrawal target of Rs. 2.5 lakh from a Rs. 7.5 crore portfolio (around 4% yearly) is sustainable if well structured.

– Your use of regular growth plans via an MFD is wise. The MFD ensures service, portfolio rebalancing, and psychological support during volatility.

? Volatility in Equity Funds – Is This Normal?

– Equity funds may show red in early months. This is entirely normal.

– Markets may stay sideways or even decline short-term. But with time, they grow with the economy.

– Multi-Asset and Balanced Advantage Funds (BAFs) tend to perform better in early phases due to equity-debt balancing.

– The fact that ICICI Multi Asset is giving you early comfort is due to its hybrid nature. That doesn’t mean the equity funds are flawed.

– Give your pure equity funds like Flexi Cap and Opportunities Fund at least 3–5 years to reflect true performance.

– Avoid judging fund quality based on short-term NAV.

? Expense Ratio Concern – Regular vs. Direct

– Regular funds come with MFD services. This is your financial partner’s time, insights, and effort.

– Direct funds save expense ratio but you lose handholding, periodic review, and strategy updates.

– Especially for a retiree, making mistakes due to inexperience or emotions can cost more than expense ratio savings.

– As a new investor, regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner offer better outcomes and peace of mind.

– Expense ratio in regular plans is a small price for personalised advice, service, and continuity.

? Your August and September Investment Plan – Is It Right?

– Your August investments of Rs. 1.5 crore into two BAFs and topping up Flexi Cap, Multi Asset, and Opportunities fund is well thought out.

– BAFs bring downside protection and rebalancing. They are apt to begin Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from.

– Flexi Cap topping helps long-term equity growth. Parag Parikh and HDFC Flexi Cap are quality options.

– Topping up the Multi Asset and Opportunities fund is also suitable. You already have partial experience with them.

– September tranche repeating the August structure is a fine idea—consistency reduces timing risk.

– However, skipping HDFC Asset Allocation FOF and BAF in September, if not finalised, is acceptable. You can revisit based on August NAV movements.

? Suggestions Before You Top Up Further

– Do not top up based on short-term performance.

– Stay with current schemes unless the fund’s fundamentals change.

– Confirm asset allocation remains balanced after top-ups. Keep equity:debt within your comfort zone.

– If equity exposure crosses 65–70%, and you are uncomfortable, pause and reconsider future top-ups.

– Do not make emotional decisions based on red NAVs in first 3–6 months.

– Ask your CFP to run stress-test scenarios before every tranche deployment. This helps maintain confidence.

? SWP Strategy – When and How to Start?

– SWP should be started only once at least Rs. 1–1.5 crore is in Balanced Advantage Funds.

– Let these funds remain invested for 2–3 months minimum post-purchase. This allows the fund to settle in terms of market exposure.

– Ideally, start SWP from November or December 2025 if funds are deployed in August.

– Begin with Rs. 1 lakh/month from BAFs initially. You can scale to Rs. 2.5 lakh later as the corpus grows.

– SWP from equity-oriented BAFs is tax-efficient. Gains will be taxed at only 12.5% LTCG beyond Rs. 1.25 lakh annually (as per July 2025 rule).

– Keep a 12-month contingency in liquid form or FD for emergencies or SWP delays.

? Diversification Review – Any Gaps?

– You have spread across Flexi Cap, Multi Asset, Opportunities, Asset Allocation FOF, and BAFs. This is healthy.

– Exposure to different AMCs is balanced. You're not over-concentrated in one fund house.

– Chola bonds and Shriram FD give non-market linked income. This cushions equity volatility.

– You may want to keep Rs. 20–25 lakh in high-liquidity products like Liquid Funds or Ultra Short-Term debt funds. This supports any sudden need.

– Avoid taking more than 50% of your entire corpus into high-risk equity funds even if markets rise.

– It is not necessary to chase the “best” fund always. Staying consistent with well-rated, diversified funds is smarter.

? Tax Planning Outlook

– Ensure you and your spouse’s PAN are optimally used while redeeming to avoid excess LTCG in one name.

– Spread withdrawals from equity to stay below Rs. 1.25 lakh LTCG limit per person, per year.

– Your fixed income (FD + Bonds) will be taxed as per slab. You may consider holding some in your spouse’s name if she is in a lower slab.

– Capital gains from mutual funds should be reviewed yearly. Don't wait till March to do last-minute tax planning.

– Avoid frequent switching between funds—it may lead to short-term capital gains at 20% tax rate.

? Emotional Comfort and Behavioural Aspects

– It’s very normal to feel anxious seeing funds in negative returns.

– Behavioural discipline is as important as fund selection.

– Your decision to go via MFD route ensures you have someone to speak to when emotions rise.

– Avoid panic-driven exits. Equity markets work only with time and patience.

– Don't track NAV daily or weekly. Track portfolio only once a month.

– Communicate clearly with your CFP. Share discomforts before acting.

? Expense Management from Investment Income

– Rs. 2.5 lakh/month goal is reasonable for a Rs. 7.5 crore corpus. That’s only 4% annual withdrawal rate.

– BAFs and Multi Asset Funds are ideal to start SWP from.

– Use Fixed Deposit and Bond income to supplement SWP in the first few years.

– Let equity-only funds grow undisturbed for at least 5–7 years.

– If market dips, use FD interest or liquid corpus to avoid redeeming equity funds at low NAV.

– Review the portfolio with your CFP every 6 months. Adjust only if goals or markets shift sharply.

? What Not To Do

– Don’t judge a fund within 3–6 months. Growth funds take time.

– Don’t go for direct funds. The support from an MFD with CFP credentials adds value far beyond the small expense savings.

– Don’t chase star performers or sectoral trends. Stay with diversified strategies.

– Don’t get tempted by structured products or PMS at this stage. Stick to mutual funds for transparency and liquidity.

– Don’t ignore liquidity. Keep at least 6–12 months’ expenses in a liquid fund or FD.

– Don’t skip reviewing tax angles. Annual rebalancing may have capital gain impacts.

? Finally

– You are on the right path. A Rs. 7.5 crore plan with Rs. 2.5 lakh income goal is sustainable.

– Fund selection is broadly appropriate for both growth and safety.

– Follow through your investment tranches without panic.

– Avoid direct funds or expense ratio worries. Focus on outcome, not cost.

– With disciplined SWP, professional handholding, and patience, your plan will deliver.

– Stay connected with your MFD-CFP for regular review and emotional guardrails.

– Your early retirement is not just achievable but potentially inspiring if implemented with this consistency.

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