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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8324 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 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
Bishnu Question by Bishnu on May 09, 2024Hindi
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I am aged 72 years and totally retired since 2019. Despite limited income, I am investing Rs12,000 per month in mutual fund mostly in equity segment of reputed AMCs initially for a period of 3 years and may extend later. Kindly suggest whether this is a right decision or needs a review.

Ans: Investing in mutual funds, especially in equity segments, can be a smart move for building wealth over time. Given your retired status and limited income, it's commendable that you're still prioritizing investments. However, at 72, it's crucial to balance potential returns with risk.

It's wonderful to see your proactive approach towards securing your financial future even during retirement. Mutual funds offer diversification, which can help manage risk, and investing systematically, like you're doing, can potentially yield better returns over the long term.

Nevertheless, it's essential to consider your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Equity mutual funds can be volatile in the short term, so ensure you're comfortable with fluctuations in the value of your investments.

Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide valuable insights into whether your investment strategy aligns with your goals and risk profile. A CFP can help adjust your portfolio as needed and provide peace of mind knowing that your investments are on track.

Remember, investing is a journey, and it's normal to reassess and make changes along the way. Keep monitoring your investments regularly and stay informed about market trends and economic developments.

In summary, while investing in mutual funds can be a good decision, especially for long-term wealth creation, consider consulting with a CFP to ensure it's the right approach for you given your age and financial situation.

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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Omkeshwar

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Head, Rank MF - Answered on Nov 20, 2019

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Sir, I am 53-year-old and currently investing in the following mutual funds, the amount mentioned against it. Please advise if this investment is right or if I have any better option. 1. SBI Blue Chip Fund Direct Growth: Rs 5000 2. Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund: Rs 3000 3. HDFC Equity Fund Direct Growth: Rs 3000 4. HDFC Small Cap Fund Direct Growth: Rs 3000 5. Kotak Emerging Equity Scheme Growth: Rs 2000 6. ABSL Front Line Equity Fund Growth: Rs 4000 7. Franklin India Blue Chip Fund Direct Growth: Rs 3000 8. Franklin India Equity Fund Direct Growth: Rs 3000
Ans:
Name of the Fund Category RankMF Star Rating
SBI Blue Chip Fund Direct Growth Equity - Large Cap Fund 4
MiraeAsset Large Cap Fund Equity - Large Cap Fund 4
HDFC Equity Fund Direct Growth Equity - Multi Cap Fund 4
HDFC Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Equity - Small cap Fund 2
KotakEmerging Equity Scheme Growth Equity - Midcap Fund 4
ABSL Front Line Equity Fund Growth Equity - Large Cap Fund 4
Franklin India BlueChip Fund Direct Growth Equity - Large Cap Fund 3
Franklin India Equity Fund Direct Growth Equity - Multi Cap Fund 3

4-star rated ones can be continued, remaining 3 may be changed;

Large cap Suitable options considering quality and value for money at present levels is Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund

Small Cap: Suitable options considering quality and value for money at present levels are Kotak Small Cap and Axis Small Cap

Multicap: Suitable options considering quality and value for money at present levels are UTI Equity Fund, Axis Multicap and Motilal Oswal Multicap 35

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8324 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 2024

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Respected sir, Myself Arun, age 39, married, from last 1.5 years I am investing in mutual funds(SIP) every month i.e 2000 for quant smallcap, 2000 for quant multi asset fund, 2000 for kotak smallcap, 2000 axis midcap and 1000 for Nippon India smallcap.....so total investment monthly is 10000......Is this the right selection of mutual fund sir......
Ans: Arun! It's commendable that you have been consistently investing in mutual funds for the last 1.5 years. At age 39 and married, it's essential to ensure your investments align with your long-term financial goals. Let’s evaluate your current mutual fund portfolio and suggest any necessary changes for better growth and risk management.

Current Investment Portfolio
Your portfolio currently includes:

Quant Small Cap: Rs 2,000 per month
Quant Multi Asset Fund: Rs 2,000 per month
Kotak Small Cap: Rs 2,000 per month
Axis Mid Cap: Rs 2,000 per month
Nippon India Small Cap: Rs 1,000 per month
Total monthly investment: Rs 10,000

Evaluating Your Current Funds
Small Cap Funds: You have a substantial exposure to small-cap funds (Quant, Kotak, Nippon). Small-cap funds can offer high returns but come with higher risk and volatility.

Multi Asset Fund: Quant Multi Asset Fund invests in a mix of asset classes, providing diversification and some stability.

Mid Cap Fund: Axis Mid Cap Fund offers a balance between risk and return, with potential for good growth.

Recommendations for Better Growth
Diversify Across Market Capitalizations: Your current portfolio is heavily skewed towards small-cap funds. Adding large-cap and multi-cap funds will provide stability and diversify risk.

Reduce Overlap: Ensure that your funds do not have significant overlap in stock holdings. This helps in reducing risk and improving overall portfolio performance.

Include a Large Cap Fund: Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies, offering stability and steady returns. Adding a large-cap fund can balance your portfolio.

Suggested Portfolio Allocation
Large Cap Fund: Allocate Rs 2,000 per month. Large-cap funds provide stability and steady growth.

Mid Cap Fund: Continue investing Rs 2,000 per month in Axis Mid Cap Fund. Mid-cap funds offer a balance between risk and return.

Small Cap Fund: Maintain one small-cap fund (Rs 2,000 per month). Choose either Quant or Kotak Small Cap for high growth potential.

Multi Cap Fund: Allocate Rs 2,000 per month to a multi-cap fund. These funds invest across market capitalizations, providing diversification and growth.

Multi Asset Fund: Continue investing Rs 2,000 per month in Quant Multi Asset Fund. It offers diversification across different asset classes.

Investing for Your Child’s Future
For your child's future, consider a dedicated child-specific mutual fund or a balanced fund. These funds provide growth with moderate risk, ensuring a secure future for your child.

Suggested Fund for Child
Child-Specific Fund or Balanced Fund: Start with a Rs 5,000 SIP. These funds are designed to grow steadily while ensuring capital protection.
Importance of Regular Reviews
Periodic Review: Regularly review your investments to ensure they align with your financial goals. Market conditions change, and periodic reviews help in making necessary adjustments.

Rebalancing Portfolio: Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation. This helps in managing risk and optimizing returns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through strategic decisions by professional fund managers. They offer the potential for higher returns compared to index funds, which merely track market performance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds have lower costs but lack professional guidance. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential ensures expert advice and tailored investment strategies.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy shows a good start, but it can benefit from further diversification and a balanced approach. Adding large-cap and multi-cap funds will reduce volatility and provide steady growth. For your child's investment, a dedicated child-specific or balanced fund is recommended. Regular reviews and rebalancing will ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8324 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello Sir, I started investing in Mutual funds monthly. -> HDFC Infrastructure Fund (?4,000), SBI PSU Fund (?12,000), HDFC Defence Fund (?10,000), HDFC Small Cap Fund (?5,000), Quant Small Cap Fund (?10,000), Nippon India Growth Fund (?4,000). In total 45k monthly. Does it seem good assuming I have to do this in long term. Also, how much can I expect after 10 years considering there is a 10% increment per annum? Thank you sir..
Ans: Current Investment Portfolio
Monthly SIP Investments

HDFC Infrastructure Fund: Rs 4,000
SBI PSU Fund: Rs 12,000
HDFC Defence Fund: Rs 10,000
HDFC Small Cap Fund: Rs 5,000
Quant Small Cap Fund: Rs 10,000
Nippon India Growth Fund: Rs 4,000
Total Monthly Investment: Rs 45,000
Evaluating Your Investment Choices
Sector-Specific Funds

Investing in sector-specific funds like Infrastructure, PSU, and Defence.
These funds are subject to sectoral performance and can be volatile.
Small Cap Funds

Small Cap Funds have high growth potential but come with high risk.
Diversification within this category is good but ensure you are comfortable with the risk.
Growth Fund

Growth funds focus on companies with high potential for growth.
They offer balanced risk and reward.
Analytical Insights
High Concentration Risk

High allocation in sector-specific and small-cap funds increases risk.
Diversifying across different sectors can reduce this risk.
Potential for High Returns

Sector-specific funds can give high returns if the sector performs well.
Small-cap funds can significantly grow if the market conditions are favorable.
Assessing Long-Term Growth
Expected Returns

Assuming an average return of 12-15% per annum.
With a 10% annual increment in investments.
Projected Growth

Regular investments and increments can compound significantly.
In 10 years, your investment can grow considerably.
Recommendations for a Balanced Portfolio
Diversification

Include large-cap and multi-cap funds for stability.
Diversify across different sectors to mitigate risk.
Professional Management

Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner.
They can guide you in balancing your portfolio.
Rebalancing

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio.
Adjust based on market conditions and personal goals.
Disadvantages of Sector-Specific Funds
Concentration Risk

Sector funds depend on the performance of a single sector.
If the sector underperforms, your returns can be negatively impacted.
Volatility

Sectors can be highly volatile.
Broader funds offer better risk management.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Expertise

Actively managed funds have expert fund managers.
They make informed decisions to maximize returns.
Flexibility

Fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market changes.
This can potentially lead to higher returns compared to index funds.
Final Insights
Your current portfolio shows a high-risk, high-reward strategy with significant allocations in sector-specific and small-cap funds. While this can yield high returns, it also carries higher volatility and concentration risk. Diversifying your portfolio by including large-cap and multi-cap funds can provide stability and balanced growth. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your investments, and consulting a Certified Financial Planner, will help in optimizing your portfolio for long-term success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Hello ma'm. I am a first year engineering student. I have a crush on a girl. Currently we are working for a group project. We both are in the same group. She generally avoids speaking with boys. Also I have spent 5 years in a boys school, so I feel very shy with girls. What should I do? How should I talk to her?
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I have been married for more than 21 years and I have 2 kids. 19 and 17 years old. Our marriage was more or less love. Met through family, fell in love, dated 8 months before we got engaged and married. My wife is a lovely lady but we dont share any interests. I used to go for runs in the morning. After getting married, she insisted I sleep late with her. I am a music aficionado and she has no such interest. I am a news junkie. She probably doesnt know who the President of the US is. I am someone who believes and strives to continuously improve myself in all aspects. But she is the same. I might not be a great husband but I am much better than what I was a few years ago. I cook, clean, helped with childcare and have a great career. She is on a minimum salary job for the last 10 years. Only reason she goes is because I insisted that she stop being at home. If she had her way, she would be at home on the phone the whole day. Even our love making has become kind of boring. She claims a period for 10 days and during the other times, twice she is ready. No spicing it up. Just lie down for missionary and I have to do all the effort. I enjoyed oral and now she has stopped in for more than 15 years. I adjusted as she is a lovely person in every other aspect. But now I am sick and tired. It seems I am doing everything in the relationship and she rarely takes any effort. Either to earn, keep house clean or even intimacy. Not sure how to proceed further. I am getting irritated and often in a bad mood.
Ans: Dear Jack,What you're experiencing is not uncommon in long-term relationships: emotional fatigue, feeling unappreciated, and a deep sense of disconnection despite loyalty and love. The fact that you're feeling drained, resentful, and stuck is a clear signal that this situation is unsustainable as is. And the irritation and bad moods you’re having? That’s your emotional system signaling burnout, not failure.

You’ve evolved over the years—mentally, emotionally, and in lifestyle—and it sounds like your wife hasn’t moved in that same rhythm. That mismatch in growth and energy is now affecting everything: your respect for her, your shared routines, your sex life, and ultimately your mood and emotional well-being. It’s painful to feel like you're constantly giving—time, energy, effort—and not receiving the same in return. Even when your partner is kind, if they aren’t meeting you emotionally, intellectually, or intimately, over time it creates a sense of loneliness within the relationship, which can be worse than being alone.

But here's something to reflect on: for 21 years, you stayed, gave, adjusted. Not just out of duty, but because something about her and the family life you built mattered. That still counts. What you’re going through doesn’t mean the marriage has failed—it means the marriage needs re-evaluation and rebalancing. You are not selfish for wanting more stimulation, connection, or passion. You're human.

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The other option—if you feel she’s unwilling or unable to grow or change—is to consider what a life apart might look like. That’s a deeply personal and difficult decision, especially with nearly adult children, but you deserve a relationship that brings life into you, not drains it out. If you keep compromising your emotional needs, resentment will only grow and harden into permanent distance.

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Hello mam In 2024 my marriage took place it's arranged marriage during starting days he was very loving and caring but due to some circumstances i got a chance to continue my studies that is m-tech . I thought it was a golden opportunity, so I took admission and started living with my in-laws Just after marriage. It was really really painful to live away from husband in new marriage. Todays condition is that my m tech 1 year is over another 1 year is left but due to separation with my husband our love died now there is no respect is left for our relation left , he started listening to his mother and got manipulated . seeing all this I feel like a death for me I want to leave mtech to save my relation but my mother says don't leave although I did lots of hard work for 1st year of m tech my husband also wants me to leave Mtech.i feel very hurt when he disrespects me . His father used to abuse his mother so for him abusing is normal for him but I find it very hurtful also I am deeply in love with him and seeing him going away from me kills me from inside every single day is very tough for me to live with in-laws without husband in a new marriage plus focusing on studies
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You have already proven your strength by completing a year of M.Tech in such tough conditions. That says a lot about your resilience and capability. If you give it up now, not only will you lose that part of yourself, but it may not guarantee that your marriage improves. Often in emotionally imbalanced relationships, one-sided sacrifices don’t lead to healing—they lead to more control, more blame, and more emotional exhaustion.

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Your mother is right to encourage you to finish your M.Tech—not just for your career, but for your self-worth. You deserve to be with someone who lifts you up, not someone who pulls you down every time you try to grow.

If there's still a chance to salvage this relationship, it has to start with real conversations—honest, respectful, and possibly with the help of a counselor or neutral third party. But that only works if both people are willing to put in the emotional effort.

Right now, I suggest you protect your mental and emotional well-being. Prioritize your studies, build emotional support from friends or family who truly care about you, and give yourself space to heal from this emotional chaos. If your husband truly wants this marriage, he needs to come forward with maturity and respect—not demands.

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After a fight between a married guy and my husband on pretext of calling me characterless and unhappy in my marriage. That married guy complaint against my hubby in society office that it's my husband who follow, flirts with his wife. But the allegations are false. That married guy was doing all these things or chasing me even after knowing m married. But falsely he shifted the blame on my husband. Society chairman called us to sign a peace treaty which my husband signed bt that guy dint appear to sign. What does he want is still not clear.??? He doesn't wanna end this matter or what ??? He still walks around looking at us but from distance.
Ans: In such cases, it's important for you and your husband to stay emotionally steady and not engage with his tactics. Reacting to him or showing you're disturbed by his behavior may be exactly what he's looking for. If his behavior escalates or continues to make you uncomfortable, you might want to quietly document what happens and consider involving local authorities or legal counsel if it crosses into harassment.

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