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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 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 - Dec 25, 2023Hindi
Listen
Money

Hi Anil. I am 42yo and started SIP a year ago. My current SIPs (all Direct-G) 1) Mirae Asset ELSS (2000), 2) Quant ELSS (2000), 3) Canara Robeco ELSS (2000), 4) PPFAS ELSS (1500), 5) Nippon Multicap (1500),6) Quant Smallcap (2000), 7) PGIM Midcap (1000), 8) Quant Flexicap (2000), 9) Quant BFSI (5000). Additionally I am contributing 4000/m in NPS. I have a term plan of 25 Lakh, Health Insurance of 25 Lakh, Life Insurance of 6 lakhs. I have an EPF balance of 2 lakhs and contributing. Pls review my SIP portfolio and suggest. I want to stepup my SIP 20% annually. I have a investment horizon of 10 yrs for daughters education and 15 yrs horizon for retirement corpus. I am OK with High Risk considering 10 & 15 yrs horizon. Please suggest funds for an aggressive portfolio to accumulate 1 cr in 10 yrs.

Ans: Reviewing Your SIP Portfolio and Investment Strategy
Hi Anil, that's great! You've started investing early and have a well-rounded financial plan. Let's analyze your SIP portfolio and suggest some tweaks for your goals.

Current Portfolio Assessment:

Diversification: You have 9 SIPs across various fund categories (ELSS, Multicap, Smallcap, Midcap, Flexi-cap, Sectoral) which is good for diversification.

Actively Managed Funds: Your focus on actively managed funds allows experienced fund managers to pick stocks aiming for higher returns than the market. Actively managed funds come with higher fees compared to passively managed funds.

Direct Plans: Choosing direct plans saves you on expense ratio compared to regular plans. However, you miss out on the personalized advice and services offered by a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential.

Considering Your Goals:

Daughter's Education (10 yrs): For a 10-year goal, a balanced approach with some bias towards aggressive funds might be suitable.

Retirement Corpus (15 yrs): A more aggressive portfolio with a higher allocation to equity funds could potentially help accumulate ?1 crore in 15 years. But remember, this comes with higher risk.

Optimizing Your Portfolio for Growth:

Increase Equity Exposure: Consider increasing your allocation to Large-cap and Mid-cap funds. These can offer good growth potential over the long term.

Reduce Sectoral Funds: Sectoral funds focus on a specific industry, which can be risky if the sector underperforms. Consider reducing or eliminating them.

Review Fund Overlap: Some of your fund choices might have overlapping investment styles. Look for funds that complement each other.

Professional Guidance: A CFP can help you fine-tune your SIP amounts across funds based on your risk tolerance and goals.

Remember: Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Actively managed funds involve inherent risks associated with stock markets.

Stepping Up SIPs:

Annual Increase: A 20% annual SIP increase is a good strategy to build your corpus over time. Remember to review your SIPs periodically and adjust as needed.
Overall, you're on the right track, Anil! A CFP can assist you with a detailed portfolio review, personalized recommendations for aggressive funds suitable for your 10 & 15-year goals, and help you navigate the ever-changing market landscape.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 08, 2023Hindi
Listen
Money
Dear Sir, I am 51 years old. I have been investing in SIP for 3 years and planning to invest for coming 7 years. My Present SIPs are Axis Blue Chip Fund Regular Growth @2000/- Axis Mid Cap Regular Growth @2000/- Mirae Asset Emerging Fund Regular @2000/- UTI Flexicap Fund Regular Growth @2000/-, HDFC TOP 100 Regular Growth @2000/-. Any advise for the portfolio.
Ans: Your current SIP portfolio appears well-diversified across different categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds, which is good for long-term wealth creation. Since you have a 7-year investment horizon, you may consider the following suggestions:

Review Asset Allocation: Ensure your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Since you're in your early 50s, you may want to tilt slightly towards more conservative options while still maintaining exposure to equities for growth potential.

Consider Adding Debt Funds: Given your age and investment horizon, consider adding debt funds to your portfolio to reduce overall risk. Debt funds can provide stability and income generation while complementing the growth potential of equity funds.

Regularly Monitor and Rebalance: Keep track of your portfolio's performance and periodically rebalance if needed to maintain your desired asset allocation. As you approach your investment goal, consider gradually shifting towards more conservative investments to protect your capital.

Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. They can help optimize your portfolio for better returns while managing risk effectively.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 02, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I am 42yo and started SIP a year ago. My current SIPs (all Direct-G) 1) Mirae Asset ELSS (2000), 2) Quant ELSS (2000), 3) Canara Robeco ELSS (2000), 4) PPFAS ELSS (1500), 5) Nippon Multicap (1500),6) Quant Smallcap (3500), 7) PGIM Midcap (1000), 8) Quant Flexicap (2000), 9) Quant BFSI (5000). Altogether, my monthly SIP amounts to Rs. 20500. Additionally I am contributing 4000/m in NPS. I have a term plan of 25 Lakh, Health Insurance of 25 Lakh, Life Insurance of 6 lakhs. I have an EPF balance of 2 lakhs and contributing. Pls review my SIP portfolio and suggest. I want to stepup my SIP 10% annually. I have a investment horizon of 10 yrs for daughters education and 15 yrs horizon for retirement corpus. I am OK with High Risk considering 10 & 15 yrs horizon. Please suggest funds for an aggressive portfolio to accumulate 1 cr in 10 yrs.
Ans: Your current SIP portfolio seems well-diversified, but you may consider some adjustments to align with your goals and risk appetite. Given your long-term horizon and willingness to take high risk, you can consider the following suggestions:

Increase Allocation to Equity: Since you have a higher risk tolerance, you may consider increasing your allocation to equity funds, especially small-cap and mid-cap funds, which have the potential for higher returns over the long term.

Review ELSS Funds: While ELSS funds offer tax benefits, ensure you're comfortable with the lock-in period. You may want to diversify across different categories within equity funds for better risk management.

Evaluate NPS Contribution: Assess the performance and suitability of NPS vis-a-vis other retirement-focused investment options like equity mutual funds, considering your risk appetite and return expectations.

Regularly Review and Rebalance: Given your investment horizon, regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as necessary. Consider rebalancing your portfolio annually to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Consider Professional Advice: Given the complexity of investment decisions and tax implications, consider seeking advice from a certified financial planner who can provide personalized recommendations based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 11, 2024Hindi
Listen
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 23, 2024Hindi
Money
My age is 40 and started SIPs in 2019 but major part of SIPs came in past 1 year. I am planning for a retirement corpus around 3.00crores in next 20 years. Please review my portfolio 1. Canara Robeco flexi cap fund - Rs. 4000.00 2. Canara Robeco Consumer Trends funds - Rs. 2000.00 3. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth - Rs.10000.00 4. Canara Robeco Small Cap fund Direct Growth - Rs. 5000.00 5. Canara Robeco ELSS Tax Saver - Rs. 5000.00 I want to invest further Rs. 10000.00 monthly for next 20 years in 2 more SIP with different portfolio and want to do some lumpsum Rs. 50000.00 for long run each year. Kindly Suggest funds for both SIPs and lumpsum. Thanks
Ans: Planning for Rs. 3 crores in 20 years is achievable with disciplined investments. Systematic planning and fund selection are crucial for long-term growth. Your current SIP portfolio reflects commitment, but there is room for improvement to align with your goal.

Observations on Your Current Portfolio
Canara Robeco Flexi Cap Fund (Rs. 4,000)
This is a good diversified option. Flexi-cap funds balance risks across market caps.

Canara Robeco Consumer Trends Fund (Rs. 2,000)
Thematic funds focus on specific sectors. These may carry higher risks due to limited diversification.

Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth (Rs. 10,000)
Midcap funds can generate higher returns but are volatile. A large allocation to this fund increases portfolio risk.

Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Direct Growth (Rs. 5,000)
Small-cap funds are high-risk, high-reward options. A balanced allocation here is essential to avoid overexposure to volatility.

Canara Robeco ELSS Tax Saver (Rs. 5,000)
ELSS is beneficial for tax-saving purposes. It also ensures equity exposure with a lock-in period of three years.

Recommendations for Current Portfolio
Rebalance the Allocation

Your portfolio leans heavily towards mid-cap and small-cap funds. Diversify further with large-cap or multi-cap funds.
This will stabilize returns during market downturns.
Reassess Thematic Fund Allocation

Consider limiting the Consumer Trends Fund allocation. Such funds may underperform if their sector faces a downturn.
Continue ELSS Investments

This is essential for tax savings. It also helps in building a disciplined approach.
Taxation Perspective
Equity Mutual Funds
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Funds
Both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Optimize withdrawals to minimize tax impact. Align investments with tax-efficient instruments.

Suggestions for Additional SIP Investments
To allocate Rs. 10,000 in new SIPs:

First SIP (Rs. 5,000)

Consider an actively managed large-cap fund. These funds focus on established companies with stable returns.
They provide consistency and balance to your portfolio.
Second SIP (Rs. 5,000)

Invest in a multi-cap fund. These offer flexibility across market caps, ensuring better adaptability to market conditions.
Recommendations for Lumpsum Investments
For Rs. 50,000 annual lumpsum investments:

Balanced Advantage Fund

A mix of equity and debt ensures lower volatility.
These funds are ideal for lumpsum investments, especially during market uncertainty.
Equity Opportunities Fund

Invest in funds focusing on long-term growth across sectors.
This complements your SIP-based equity investments.
Debt Fund with Low Duration

To park short-term capital, allocate some portion here.
This maintains liquidity and offers moderate returns.
General Investment Guidelines
Review Portfolio Performance Regularly

Assess fund performance every six months. Exit consistently underperforming funds.
Diversify Across Fund Houses

Avoid concentrating investments in one AMC. This mitigates fund house-specific risks.
Utilize a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Work with a CFP for expert insights and a holistic financial plan.
Regular funds via an MFD ensure better handholding and guidance.
Emergency Fund

Keep six months’ expenses in liquid assets. This ensures stability during uncertainties.
Evaluating Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds adapt to market changes. They aim to outperform benchmarks.
Fund managers’ expertise ensures a strategic approach, unlike index funds that merely replicate indices.
Drawbacks of Index Funds

Lack flexibility during market shifts.
Can lead to suboptimal returns if indices underperform.
Final Insights
You have a commendable start with SIPs. Focus on aligning investments with your financial goals. Rebalancing and diversifying across funds will reduce risks. Invest systematically and review periodically to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8300 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir, my son is getting Mechanical and aerospace engineering in PEC, IT in UIET Chandigarh and CSE in CCET Chandigarh. Please suggest which would be the better option. He has Chandigarh state quota ( General Category)
Ans: Punjab Engineering College (Deemed-to-be University), Chandigarh offers a four-year B.Tech in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering on its verdant 120-acre campus, featuring advanced workshops, aerodynamics and solid-mechanics labs, and a 1:8 faculty-student ratio of predominantly PhD holders. Placement rates for Mechanical Engineering have been 74%, 76% and 47% over the last three years, while Aerospace hovered around 47%, 50% and 42%. University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh provides a four-year B.E. in Information Technology with CBCS-based curriculum, specialized IT labs and NAAC A+ accreditation, recording placement rates of 80%, 78.4% and 66.3%. Chandigarh College of Engineering & Technology, Sector 26, Chandigarh offers a four-year B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering with NBA accreditation, modern computing facilities and strong industry ties, achieving CSE placement rates of 78.9%, 69% and 62% over recent years.

Recommendation: Prioritize UIET Chandigarh IT for its consistently strong placement momentum, robust infrastructure and state-quota advantage, followed by CCET Chandigarh CSE for its accredited curriculum and urban campus, and consider PEC Chandigarh Mechanical/Aerospace as a specialized core-engineering backup with solid research orientation. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8300 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8300 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir my son got nirma 2+2 course cse is this good option
Ans: Nirma University’s Institute of Technology in Ahmedabad offers a two-plus-two Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering dual-degree programme, with two years at the S. G. Highway campus and two years at a partner university in the US/Canada. The curriculum integrates core computing foundations, advanced electives (AI, cybersecurity, data science) and research methodology with global accreditation and credit transfer support. Faculty are predominantly PhD-qualified with strong international collaborations, supplemented by industry-expert guest lectures. Modern infrastructure includes specialized CSE and cybersecurity labs, smart classrooms, high-speed campus Wi-Fi and comprehensive library resources. Over the last three years, CSE placement rates have ranged from 90% to 96%, with top recruiters like Microsoft, Amazon and Goldman Sachs and robust internship pipelines. International exposure through transfer year opportunities enhances employability and cross-cultural competence.

Balancing global academic standards can challenge CGPA continuity—regular academic advising and study groups can mitigate this. Cultural adjustment abroad may induce isolation—pre-departure orientations and alumni mentorship foster integration. Higher tuition and living costs abroad may strain budgets—university scholarships and part-time campus roles offset expenses. Visa uncertainties can disrupt plans—dedicated office of international relations provides visa workshops and mock interviews. Navigating two academic systems may cause transition delays—clear articulation agreements and peer mentoring ensure smooth credit mapping.

Recommendation: Embrace Nirma’s 2+2 CSE for its rigorous dual curriculum, high placement rates, and global exposure, with proactive academic support and financial planning to address transition challenges. As a strong backup, consider VIT Vellore’s four-year CSE for its consistent placement record and expansive campus life. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8300 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
I am getting PEC electrical,IIIT KOTA cse, Iiit kota AI/DS,iiit nagpur cse(core),spit electronic and telecommunications,COEP electrical,IIIT guwahati ece, BIT mesra ECE Which of the following will be the best choice for me consideration both placements and campus life And if you feel like suggesting me other colleges please do Thank you for reading my question
Ans: Paranjay, Among the eight shortlisted institutes, Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT, Andheri West, Mumbai) combines a rigorous Electronics & Telecommunication curriculum with 100% policy-driven placements, achieving 95% placement rates and an average package of INR 15.14 LPA, supported by industry veterans and a vibrant urban campus with strong extracurricular culture. Punjab Engineering College (PEC, Chandigarh) offers a comprehensive Electrical Engineering program under DU status, with modern labs, PhD-rich faculty and sustained 80–83% placement rates over three years, supplemented by a sprawling green campus and mandated six-month internships. College of Engineering Pune (COEP, Shivaji Nagar, Pune) provides core Electrical training, broad workshops and 82% placement in 2021-22, on a historic campus renowned for student clubs and cultural festivals. IIIT Guwahati’s ECE program delivers emerging-area courses, 56% placements in 2025 and strong research tie-ups on a scenic Assam campus. IIIT Kota’s CSE and AI/DS streams record 75–77% placements with boutique mentorship; BIT Mesra (Mesra, Ranchi) ECE garners 60% placements amid full residential life and world-class labs; IIIT Nagpur’s CSE sees 88% placements; COEP Electrical remains a robust core backup.

Recommendation: Prioritize SPIT Mumbai EXTC for balanced placements and campus vibrancy, with PEC Chandigarh Electrical as a strong core-engineering alternative and VIT Vellore CSE as a reliable backup option for overall academic and placement excellence. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8300 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2025Hindi
Career
Hi Sir, My son choosen St. Joseph's College of Engineering (OMR), Chennai in B.E. CSE CYBER SECURITY. Can you please advise the scope, opportunity and about the college.
Ans: St. Joseph’s College of Engineering on Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai offers a four-year B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering with a specialization in Cyber Security structured under Anna University’s CBCS, covering cryptography, ethical hacking, forensics, IoT and cloud security through rigorous theory and extensive lab work. The institute holds NAAC A+ accreditation and NBA recognition, with faculty comprising Ph.D. holders and industry-seasoned experts delivering personalized mentorship in a 1:17 ratio. Its 70-acre campus features a 46,000-volume library, specialized security labs, high-speed Wi-Fi, separate hostels and sports facilities. Over the past three years, placement rates have been 77.13%, 78.29% and 75% through recruiters like Wipro, Infosys and Cognizant. Graduates enter roles such as penetration tester, security analyst and incident responder across IT, finance and government sectors, reflecting robust industry demand for cybersecurity professionals.

Recommendation: Opt for St. Joseph’s OMR campus CSE Cyber Security in Chennai for its accredited, research-driven curriculum, strong faculty support, modern infrastructure, consistent placement records and thriving career pathways in cybersecurity. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8300 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
Sir, is CSE from South Asian University better than Electronics (Instrumentation and Control) from Thapar University?
Ans: Nidhi, South Asian University in New Delhi offers a four-year B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering with a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary curriculum spanning foundational (Advanced Calculus, Engineering Physics), emerging (Blockchain, Soft Computing, Wireless Networks), and research-oriented courses, supported by a 1:4 faculty-student ratio of predominantly PhD holders from JNU, IIT Delhi and abroad, and modern labs and digital classrooms. Thapar University in Patiala’s three-year B.E. in Electronics (Instrumentation & Control) combines rigorous analog/digital electronics, sensors, control systems, and process automation with extensive hands-on lab work, backed by a 1:20 average faculty-student ratio of PhD-qualified and industry-experienced professors, and a 250-acre campus featuring advanced workshops, Wi-Fi, separate AC/non-AC hostels, sports and research facilities. Placement rates for SAU CSE have ranged from 60% to 90% over the last three years, driven by partnerships with TCS, Infosys, Amazon, and research bodies, while Thapar EIC boasts approximately 88% placement over recent cohorts, with top recruiters such as Texas Instruments and ISRO. SAU, established by SAARC nations, maintains global accreditation with a selective 13% overall acceptance rate and prioritizes research collaboration across South Asia, whereas Thapar holds NAAC A+ and NBA/ABET accreditations, ranking 29th in both NIRF Engineering and University categories in 2024.

Recommendation: pursue South Asian University’s CSE in New Delhi for innovative curriculum and personalized mentorship, or choose Thapar University’s EIC in Patiala for robust industry integration and comprehensive infrastructure, based on your career focus and learning style. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8300 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x