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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 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
Yathish Question by Yathish on Apr 30, 2024Hindi
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Sir can anyone please help me understand tax harvesting procedure in MF (SIP) , If I invested ?300000 lumpsum in A-MF which gave 12% returns in 1year total value would be 336000 if I sell this corpus after 366th day my investment is tax free(LTCG- MY RETURNS

Ans: Tax harvesting, especially in the context of mutual funds (MFs) and SIPs, involves strategically selling investments to realize capital losses or gains for tax purposes. Here's a simplified explanation:

Understanding LTCG and Tax Implications:
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax is applicable on profits earned from selling MF units after holding them for more than one year.
As per current tax regulations, LTCG tax on equity MFs is applicable if gains exceed Rs. 1 lakh in a financial year, and the tax rate is 10% without indexation.
Tax Harvesting Procedure:
Suppose you invested Rs. 3,00,000 lump sum in a mutual fund scheme (A-MF) and earned a 12% return over one year, resulting in a total corpus of Rs. 3,36,000.
If you sell this corpus after holding it for more than 1 year (366th day or later), the LTCG would be tax-free up to Rs. 1 lakh.
Any LTCG exceeding Rs. 1 lakh would be subject to a 10% tax rate without indexation.
To minimize tax liability, you can strategically sell a portion of your investment before the end of the financial year to realize gains below the Rs. 1 lakh threshold.
By doing so, you can utilize the tax-free limit effectively and reduce the tax burden on your overall gains.
Example Illustration:
Let's say your total LTCG after holding the investment for more than a year amounts to Rs. 40,000.
If you sell a portion of your investment to realize gains of Rs. 60,000 before the end of the financial year, your total LTCG would still remain Rs. 40,000, within the tax-free limit of Rs. 1 lakh.
This strategy helps you optimize your tax liability by utilizing the tax-free threshold efficiently.
Consultation and Expert Advice:
Tax harvesting strategies can vary based on individual financial circumstances and tax regulations.
It's advisable to consult with a tax advisor or certified financial planner to assess your specific situation and implement tax-efficient investment strategies effectively.
They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and tax-saving requirements.
In summary, tax harvesting in MFs and SIPs involves strategically realizing gains or losses to optimize tax liabilities. By leveraging the tax-free threshold and implementing effective strategies, you can minimize tax burdens and enhance overall returns on your investments.
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 09, 2024Hindi
Money
Hii Sir, I am an NRI and having income of around 50 LPA. My age is 32 nd I have recently started SIP with 15k in motilal oswal defence India direct growth.. the portfolio of this MF includes defence stocks like HAL , BDL .. I want to invest more of around 50K per month in SIP. Please advise on how should I put in my money here and in which MF. My target is 1cr plus in next 5-10 years. Also being an NRI, is there any tax to be paid on total return. I already have robeco and elss tax saving sip of 50000. I can get max deduction of 1,50,000 as per IT ACT.. however I still want to know further. Please advise. Thank you
Ans: Your current investment in a defence-themed mutual fund is a focused sectoral choice. While sectoral funds can deliver high returns, they also carry higher risks due to limited diversification. Defence stocks like HAL and BDL depend on sector-specific policies and global dynamics.

Your ELSS tax-saving investments are well-aligned with your goal of availing tax deductions under Section 80C. They also provide equity exposure with the added benefit of tax savings.

You aim to invest Rs. 50,000 monthly via SIPs and build a corpus of Rs. 1 crore in 5–10 years. This target is achievable with a disciplined approach and proper allocation across diversified equity funds.

Key Recommendations for Future Investments
Diversify Beyond Sectoral Funds
Avoid concentrating too much in one sector. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds. These categories balance growth and stability effectively.

Allocate Strategically
Divide your Rs. 50,000 SIP into 3-4 funds. Allocate about 40% to large-cap, 30% to mid-cap, and 30% to flexi-cap funds.

Consider Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds often outperform passive funds due to professional fund management. This approach can maximise your returns over the long term.

Review and Monitor Regularly
Evaluate fund performance semi-annually. Adjust allocations if funds consistently underperform compared to their benchmarks.

Tax Implications for NRIs on Mutual Funds
As an NRI, you are subject to specific tax rules on mutual fund returns:

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.

Tax is deducted at source (TDS) for NRIs. You can claim a refund if your actual tax liability is lower. Ensure compliance with these rules to avoid issues during repatriation.

Additional Steps for NRI Investors
Understand Repatriation Rules
Mutual fund investments made through NRE accounts are repatriable. Keep the documentation handy to facilitate this process.

Avoid Direct Funds
Direct plans lack advisory support. A Certified Financial Planner offers expertise in fund selection, portfolio allocation, and tax optimisation.

Choose Funds with Global Exposure
As an NRI, consider funds with international diversification. Global equity funds can help you hedge against currency risks.

Roadmap to Achieve Rs. 1 Crore Target
Stick to a Long-Term SIP Strategy
SIPs leverage rupee cost averaging, minimising market timing risks. Staying invested for at least 5-10 years amplifies compounding benefits.

Reinvest ELSS Proceeds
ELSS funds have a three-year lock-in. Once matured, consider reinvesting in diversified funds to maintain equity exposure.

Increase SIP Gradually
Increase your SIP amount by 5-10% annually. This step aligns with inflation and boosts your corpus growth.

Avoid Frequent Portfolio Churning
Stick to your asset allocation strategy. Avoid switching funds unless there's a significant reason, like a fund consistently underperforming.

Insights on Tax Deduction Limit
You are utilising Rs. 50,000 under Section 80C with ELSS funds. The remaining Rs. 1 lakh deduction can include PPF, EPF, or life insurance premiums. However, ELSS remains the most efficient choice due to its growth potential.

Final Insights
Your focus on systematic investing and diversification is commendable. Achieving Rs. 1 crore is realistic with disciplined investing and strategic fund selection. Consider working with a Certified Financial Planner for customised advice, ensuring your investments align with your NRI status and long-term goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

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Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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