I am an artist by profession and presently I am 30 years. I have been investing in mutual funds since 2013 through SIPs. The initial goal was my marriage expenses and setting up my new office, both the goal has been achieved on 2016 and this year respectively.

Presently, I have following mutual funds, however, the returns are not good. I want to continue the same for atleast another 5 years and my aim is a house. Also, my income has substantially reduced as I have set up my office recently. Please advise me whether i should continue these mutual funds or switch and also whether I should reduce my mutual funds considering my income has gone down. 

1. Aditya Birla Sunlife Medium Term Plan - Growth Regular Plan - investing Rs. 5,000/- pm.

2. Aditya Birla Sunlife Frontline Equity Fund - Growth Regular Plan - investing Rs. 5,000/- pm

3. Axis long term equity fund - Regular Plan Growth - investing Rs. 5,000/- pm 

4. Franklin India Tax Shield Growth - investing Rs. 5,000/- pm

5. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Growth - investing Rs. 15,000/- pm

6. IDFC Multicap Fund Growth (Regular Plan) - investing Rs. 5,000/- pm

7. SBI Bluechip Regular Plan Growth - investing Rs. 15,000/- pm

Ans: At 37 years old, you are married with a 5-year-old child and earn around Rs. 70,000 per month. Your current investments include:

PPF: Rs. 30 lakh
EPF: Rs. 40 lakh
FD: Rs. 6 lakh
LIC premiums: Rs. 24,000 and Rs. 29,000 annually
Postal life insurance: Rs. 36,000 annually
Mutual funds: Various lump sum investments and SIPs
Evaluating Your Current Investments
Public Provident Fund (PPF):

You have Rs. 30 lakh in PPF, which provides stable and tax-free returns. This is a good foundation for your long-term financial goals.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF):

With Rs. 40 lakh in EPF, you have another solid, low-risk investment for retirement.

Fixed Deposit (FD):

Your Rs. 6 lakh in FDs offers safety but lower returns compared to other investments.

Life Insurance Policies:

Your LIC and postal life insurance policies provide life cover but might not be the most efficient investment vehicles in terms of returns.

Mutual Funds:

You have diversified mutual fund investments, including lump sums and SIPs. These funds can potentially offer higher returns over the long term.

Financial Goals
Your goal is to accumulate Rs. 50 lakh in the next 7-8 years. Let's analyze how to optimize your investments to achieve this target.

Strategic Investment Plan
Reviewing Life Insurance Policies:

Life insurance is crucial, but high premiums can limit investment potential. Consider term insurance for adequate life cover at lower costs. You can then redirect savings into high-return investments like mutual funds.

Mutual Fund Investments:

Mutual funds are a powerful tool for wealth creation. Your current SIPs are well-diversified across different fund categories. To reach Rs. 50 lakh, let's focus on optimizing these investments.

Optimizing SIPs
Current SIPs:

SBI Bluechip Fund: Rs. 1,000
SBI Contra Fund: Rs. 2,000
Kotak Small Cap Fund: Rs. 2,500
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Rs. 2,500
Nippon Small Cap Fund: Rs. 2,500
Axis Quant Fund: Rs. 2,500
Suggested Adjustments:

Increase your SIP amounts in funds with strong performance histories and potential for high returns. Consider the following:

SBI Bluechip Fund: Increase to Rs. 3,000
SBI Contra Fund: Maintain Rs. 2,000
Kotak Small Cap Fund: Increase to Rs. 5,000
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Increase to Rs. 5,000
Nippon Small Cap Fund: Maintain Rs. 2,500
Axis Quant Fund: Maintain Rs. 2,500
Lump Sum Investments
Existing Lump Sums:

ICICI Prudential Small Cap: Rs. 50,000
Axis Bluechip Fund: Rs. 70,000
SBI Balance Advantage Fund: Rs. 50,000
SBI Bluechip Fund: Rs. 3.69 lakh (now Rs. 5 lakh)
These lump sums have been performing well. Continue holding them for potential growth.

Future Lump Sum Investments:

Redirect your FD amount into mutual funds. FDs offer lower returns, and shifting this amount can boost your investment growth. Consider splitting Rs. 6 lakh into these funds:

Large Cap Fund: Rs. 2 lakh
Mid Cap Fund: Rs. 2 lakh
Small Cap Fund: Rs. 2 lakh
Investing the Savings from Insurance Premiums
LIC and Postal Life Insurance:

If you choose to surrender or reduce these policies, you can redirect the premium amounts into SIPs or mutual funds. For example:

Rs. 24,000 (LIC) + Rs. 29,000 (LIC) + Rs. 36,000 (Postal) = Rs. 89,000 annually
This amount can be added to your SIPs for higher returns.

Calculating the Future Value
Using a conservative return rate of 12% per annum for mutual funds, let's estimate the future value of your investments.

PPF and EPF:

Continue to grow steadily. Let's assume no additional contributions.

Mutual Funds:

With increased SIPs and redirected lump sums, your portfolio can grow significantly. For example:

Monthly SIPs: Rs. 20,000
Lump Sums: Rs. 6 lakh (initial) + growth
Over 7-8 years, these investments can potentially exceed Rs. 50 lakh, considering compounding returns.

Contingency and Emergency Funds
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6 months of expenses. This ensures financial security in case of unexpected events.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Adjust your SIPs and investments based on performance and market conditions. Annual rebalancing can help maintain your desired asset allocation.

Conclusion
By optimizing your current investments and increasing your SIP contributions, you can achieve your goal of Rs. 50 lakh in 7-8 years. Here’s a summary of the action plan:

Review and potentially surrender LIC policies.
Increase SIP contributions in high-performing funds.
Redirect FD amounts into mutual funds.
Maintain an emergency fund.
Regularly review and adjust your investments.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Financial Overview and Current Investments

You have a solid financial foundation with multiple investments. Your earnings are Rs 70,000 per month, and you have substantial savings and investments.

You have Rs 30 lakhs in PPF, Rs 40 lakhs in EPF, and Rs 6 lakhs in fixed deposits.

Your insurance premiums include Rs 24,000 and Rs 29,000 for LIC and Rs 36,000 for Postal Life Insurance.

You have invested Rs 50,000 in ICICI Prudential Small Cap, Rs 70,000 in Axis Bluechip Fund, and Rs 50,000 in SBI Balance Advantage Fund.

Your investment in SBI Bluechip Fund from 2014 has grown from Rs 3.69 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs.

Your current SIPs are:

Rs 1,000 in SBI Bluechip Fund (running for 1.5 years)
Rs 2,000 in SBI Contra Fund (freshly added)
Rs 2,500 in Kotak Small Cap Fund (running for 2 years)
Rs 2,500 in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund (running for 2 years)
Rs 2,500 in Nippon Small Cap Fund (freshly added)
Rs 2,500 in Axis Quant Fund (freshly added)
Evaluating Insurance vs. SIP Investments

Your LIC policies require a significant annual premium. Considering your goal of achieving Rs 50 lakhs in 7-8 years, it might be more efficient to reallocate these funds.

Insurance policies often offer lower returns compared to mutual funds. Thus, shifting your premiums to SIPs could potentially yield higher returns.

Advantages of SIPs in Mutual Funds

SIPs provide disciplined investing and benefit from rupee cost averaging. They also offer higher potential returns compared to traditional insurance policies.

You are already investing in a diverse range of funds, which is commendable. Diversification reduces risk and increases potential returns.

Assessing Your Current Mutual Fund Portfolio

Your mutual fund investments are well-diversified across large-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds. This diversification balances risk and growth potential.

However, consider reviewing the performance of your funds periodically. Some funds may underperform, and it is wise to switch to better-performing ones if needed.

Achieving Your Goal of Rs 50 Lakhs

To achieve Rs 50 lakhs in 7-8 years, you need to focus on high-growth investments. SIPs in well-performing mutual funds are a great choice.

Based on historical performance, equity mutual funds have delivered substantial returns over the long term. Continue your SIPs and consider increasing the investment amount if possible.

Reallocating Your Investments

Consider stopping your LIC premiums and reallocating these funds to your SIPs. This reallocation can enhance your returns significantly.

For example, if you reallocate the Rs 53,000 (Rs 24,000 + Rs 29,000) annual premium to your SIPs, it could result in higher returns over time.

Reviewing Your Financial Plan Regularly

Regularly review and adjust your financial plan. The market conditions and fund performances change, and your plan should adapt accordingly.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you with these reviews and adjustments, ensuring your investments align with your goals.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds can outperform the market, unlike index funds which merely track the market. These funds have the potential for higher returns due to expert management.

Your current mutual funds are actively managed, which is beneficial for achieving higher growth.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds only replicate the market index and lack the potential to outperform it. They are passive and do not adapt to market changes actively.

In contrast, actively managed funds are monitored by fund managers who can make strategic decisions to optimize returns.

Importance of Regular Fund Investments

Regular funds, invested through a mutual fund distributor with a CFP credential, offer professional guidance and expertise. This ensures your investments are well-managed and aligned with your financial goals.

Direct funds, although cheaper, lack professional guidance, which can impact the effectiveness of your investment strategy.

Conclusion

You have a strong financial base and a well-diversified investment portfolio. To achieve your goal of Rs 50 lakhs in 7-8 years, focus on reallocating your LIC premiums to SIPs.

Continue investing in your SIPs, review their performance regularly, and make adjustments as needed. Actively managed funds offer higher potential returns compared to index funds.

For optimal results, consider seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner who can provide professional guidance and ensure your investments align with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Current Financial Position
Age: 37 years old
Marital Status: Married with a 5-year-old son
Monthly Income: Rs. 70,000
PPF: Rs. 30 lakhs
EPF: Rs. 40 lakhs
FD: Rs. 6 lakhs
LIC Premiums: Rs. 24,000 and Rs. 29,000 per year
Postal Life Insurance Premium: Rs. 36,000 per year
Lump Sum Investments:
Rs. 50,000 in ICICI Prudential Small Cap (2 years ago)
Rs. 70,000 in Axis Bluechip Fund (2 years ago)
Rs. 50,000 in SBI Balanced Advantage Fund (2 years ago)
Rs. 3.69 lakhs in SBI Blue Chip Fund (since 2014, now worth Rs. 5 lakhs)
Current SIPs:
Rs. 1,000 in SBI Bluechip Fund (running for 1.5 years)
Rs. 2,000 in SBI Contra Fund (fresh addition)
Rs. 2,500 in Kotak Small Cap (running for 2 years)
Rs. 2,500 in Parag Parikh Flexicap (running for 2 years)
Rs. 2,500 in Nippon Small Cap (fresh addition)
Rs. 2,500 in Axis Quant Fund (fresh addition)
Financial Goals
Goal: Accumulate Rs. 50 lakhs in 7-8 years
Investment Strategy
Achieving your goal requires optimizing your current investments and making strategic additions.

Evaluating Current Investments
PPF and EPF
Advantages: Safe and tax-efficient with steady returns.
Disadvantages: Returns are lower compared to equity mutual funds.
Recommendation: Continue contributing for safety and tax benefits.
Fixed Deposits
Advantages: Low risk and guaranteed returns.
Disadvantages: Returns are lower than inflation-adjusted growth.
Recommendation: Consider moving some funds to higher-return investments.
Insurance Policies (LIC and Postal Life Insurance)
Advantages: Insurance coverage and guaranteed returns.
Disadvantages: Low returns and lack of flexibility.
Recommendation: Evaluate the need for high premiums. Consider term insurance for better coverage at a lower cost. Invest the difference in mutual funds.
Existing Mutual Fund Investments
Lump Sum Investments
ICICI Prudential Small Cap: High risk, potential for high returns.
Axis Bluechip Fund: Lower risk, stable growth.
SBI Balanced Advantage Fund: Balanced risk, steady returns.
SBI Blue Chip Fund: Lower risk, stable growth.
SIP Investments
Diverse Portfolio: Your SIPs are spread across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexicap funds. This diversification balances risk and potential returns.
Recommendations for New Investments
Focus on High-Growth Equity Funds
High Risk, High Return: Given your goal and risk tolerance, focus on high-growth equity funds. Consider increasing your SIP amounts in small-cap and mid-cap funds.

Flexicap Funds: These funds provide flexibility to invest across market caps based on market conditions. They offer balanced risk and potential for high returns.

Contra Funds: These funds invest in undervalued stocks, which can provide high returns when the market corrects itself.

Consider Phasing Out Low-Return Investments
Fixed Deposits: Gradually move funds from FDs to high-growth mutual funds. This will increase your potential returns over the investment horizon.

Insurance Policies: If you have adequate term insurance, consider surrendering traditional insurance policies. Invest the premium amounts in mutual funds.

Building a Corpus of Rs. 50 Lakhs
Increase SIP Contributions
Regular Investments: Increase your SIP contributions to maximize compounding benefits. Aim for a diversified portfolio with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio. Adjust allocations based on fund performance and market conditions.

Systematic Transfer Plan (STP)
Gradual Investment: Use STP to move funds from low-risk investments (like liquid funds) to high-risk equity funds. This helps in averaging out market volatility.
Regular Monitoring
Performance Review: Monitor the performance of your mutual funds periodically. Make necessary adjustments to keep your portfolio aligned with your financial goals.

Stay Informed: Stay updated with market trends and fund performance. This helps in making informed investment decisions.

Final Insights
Early retirement and a substantial corpus require disciplined saving and strategic investing. Focus on high-growth equity funds, diversify your portfolio, and regularly review your investments. Consider professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner to align your investments with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Assessment of Your Current Mutual Fund Portfolio
You are doing a great job by investing Rs. 60,000 monthly through SIPs. Your portfolio is diversified across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and thematic funds. However, there are areas where improvement is possible.

Let's review your portfolio step-by-step:

1. UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund
Analysis: Investing in index funds, like UTI Nifty 50, has become popular due to low expense ratios. However, they come with certain disadvantages. Index funds blindly track the index without flexibility. They cannot outperform the market because they follow the market. Actively managed funds have a skilled fund manager who can make decisions based on market conditions, potentially giving higher returns.

Recommendation: Consider switching from index funds to actively managed funds for better potential returns.

2. Mirae Asset Mid-Cap Fund
Analysis: Mid-cap funds offer higher growth potential compared to large-cap funds but come with higher risk. Mirae Asset is a reputable fund house with a good track record in managing mid-cap funds. The fund’s allocation is usually well-diversified, balancing risk and return.

Recommendation: Continue with this fund. Mid-cap funds are good for long-term goals like retirement and kids' education.

3. Kotak Small Cap Fund
Analysis: Small-cap funds have the potential for significant growth, but they also carry high risk. Kotak Small Cap Fund is known for its robust fund management and stock selection process. However, small-cap funds can be volatile, and it’s important to have a long investment horizon.

Recommendation: Continue with this fund but keep an eye on its performance. It’s advisable to have small-cap exposure in moderation, considering the high risk.

4. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund
Analysis: Bluechip funds invest in well-established companies with a strong track record. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund is known for its consistent performance and is a good choice for risk-averse investors. These funds provide stability to your portfolio.

Recommendation: Continue with this fund. Bluechip funds are essential for a stable and balanced portfolio.

5. HDFC Defence Fund
Analysis: HDFC Defence Fund is a thematic fund focusing on the defence sector. Thematic funds can be rewarding but also risky as they depend on the performance of a particular sector. They lack diversification and can be volatile if the sector underperforms.

Recommendation: Consider reducing your exposure to thematic funds. It's advisable to diversify into funds with broader investment mandates.

6. Motilal Oswal Nifty Micro Cap 250 Index Fund
Analysis: Micro-cap funds are the riskiest category. They invest in the smallest companies with high growth potential but also high volatility. An index fund in this category lacks the active management needed to navigate the risks of micro-cap stocks.

Recommendation: Consider switching to an actively managed small-cap or micro-cap fund. Active management can provide better stock selection and risk management.

7. Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund
Analysis: ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C. Quant ELSS is known for its aggressive investment style and can provide good returns over time. However, being a tax-saving fund, it comes with a lock-in period of 3 years.

Recommendation: Continue with this fund if you need tax-saving benefits. ELSS funds are good for long-term wealth creation and tax efficiency.

8. Zerodha Nifty Large Midcap 250 Index Fund
Analysis: This index fund tracks the Nifty Large Midcap 250 Index. Like other index funds, it lacks active management and flexibility. This can limit its ability to outperform the market.

Recommendation: Consider shifting to an actively managed large and mid-cap fund. This will allow for better stock selection and potential returns.

9. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund
Analysis: Flexi-cap funds offer the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is well-regarded for its balanced approach and ability to navigate different market conditions. It provides diversification and growth potential.

Recommendation: Continue with this fund. Flexi-cap funds are a good choice for long-term goals as they offer a mix of stability and growth.

General Recommendations for Your Portfolio
Diversification and Risk Management
Your portfolio is diversified across different market caps and sectors, which is good. However, consider reducing exposure to thematic funds like HDFC Defence Fund and sector-specific index funds like the Motilal Oswal Nifty Micro Cap 250 Index Fund.

Replace index funds with actively managed funds. This will allow a fund manager to make strategic decisions based on market conditions, potentially leading to better returns.

Ensure that your overall risk profile aligns with your investment goals. Small-cap and mid-cap funds are volatile and should be balanced with more stable large-cap or flexi-cap funds.

Tax Efficiency
Continue with your ELSS fund for tax-saving benefits. ELSS funds are a great way to save tax and build wealth over time.

Ensure that your investments in tax-saving instruments are optimized to fully utilize the benefits under Section 80C.

Investment Horizon
Your goals include retirement, kids' education, and buying a house. These are long-term goals, which means you can afford to take some calculated risks with your investments. However, ensure you review your portfolio periodically to make necessary adjustments.

Keep a long-term perspective and avoid frequent changes in your portfolio based on short-term market movements.

SIP Strategy
Continue with your SIPs to take advantage of rupee cost averaging. SIPs are a disciplined way of investing and help in building a substantial corpus over time.

Review your SIP amounts annually. Increase your SIP contributions as your income grows to accelerate your wealth-building process.

Monitoring and Review
Review your portfolio’s performance every 6 to 12 months. This will help you stay on track with your goals and make necessary adjustments based on market conditions and personal circumstances.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for regular portfolio reviews. They can provide you with professional advice tailored to your financial goals and risk profile.

Final Insights
Your current investment approach is solid, but there is always room for improvement. Moving from index funds to actively managed funds can provide better returns. Reducing exposure to thematic and micro-cap funds can manage risk better.

Keep a long-term perspective, regularly review your portfolio, and consult with a Certified Financial Planner for professional guidance. With disciplined investing and proper portfolio management, you are well on your way to achieving your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in