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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

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
GODLAVEETI Question by GODLAVEETI on Jul 12, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi. I am a bank employee with age of 33, having gross salary of Rs.1.5lakh and net salary of 1.05lakh per month. I have personal loan of Rs.6.00lakh with EMI of Rs.10k. I hold mutual funds of Rs.10.00lakh with SIP of Rs.25k per month. Present my NPS is about Rs.23.00lakh with monthly contribution of Rs.15k. I have SSY in my daughter name of Rs.6lakh with monthly contribution of Rs.10k per month. Presently investing 25k per month in gold (physical,MF). I want to retire at the age of 45 and I need income of Rs.75k per month.

Ans: You are planning early, and that’s a great sign. At 33, with 12 years to retire, your focus and commitment to saving is strong. You’ve already created a good base, and with the right moves, you can strengthen it even more.

Let us now take a detailed view of your current financial picture and future goals.

» Understand the Retirement Timeline and Income Need

– You aim to retire at 45.
– That gives you only 12 years to build your corpus.
– Post-retirement, you need Rs.75,000 per month.
– That is Rs.9 lakh per year income need.
– This income will be needed for 35–40 years possibly.
– This is a long post-retirement phase.
– So, your plan must have safety and growth balance.

» Review Your Current Income and Allocation

– Gross salary of Rs.1.5 lakh is good.
– Net income of Rs.1.05 lakh gives fair flexibility.
– Rs.25k SIP in mutual funds is excellent.
– Rs.15k in NPS adds long-term retirement strength.
– Rs.10k in SSY is good for daughter’s future.
– Rs.25k monthly in gold is excessive and risky.

» Assess the Personal Loan Situation

– Loan amount is Rs.6 lakh.
– EMI is only Rs.10,000 per month.
– This is not a strain now.
– But early closure gives mental and financial relief.
– Try to repay in the next 12–15 months.
– Redirect EMI savings into SIPs after that.

» NPS Is Locked Till 60

– NPS value is Rs.23 lakh now.
– You are adding Rs.15k every month.
– You can’t withdraw before 60 without loss.
– Since you want to retire at 45, NPS won’t help.
– It will support you after 60 only.
– So don’t count NPS in early retirement corpus.

» Mutual Funds Must Be Your Main Retirement Tool

– Rs.10 lakh corpus in mutual funds is solid start.
– SIP of Rs.25k monthly gives compounding benefit.
– These funds are liquid and growth oriented.
– You must continue and increase them over time.
– These will be your key income source post 45.

» Avoid Index Funds for Retirement Goal

– Index funds follow market passively.
– They give no cushion during bad markets.
– Actively managed funds offer better control.
– Good fund managers reduce loss risk.
– Retirement needs stable growth, not wild swings.

» Do Not Use Direct Plans

– Direct mutual fund plans lack professional support.
– You may miss reviewing poor-performing funds.
– Regular plans through MFD with CFP provide guidance.
– This avoids emotional decisions during market drops.
– Proper advice helps in fund selection and timing.

» Re-evaluate the Gold Allocation

– Rs.25k monthly in gold is too high.
– Physical gold gives no income or interest.
– Gold returns are low in the long term.
– Gold should be 5–10% of total portfolio only.
– Redirect Rs.15k from gold to equity funds.
– Keep Rs.10k in gold if emotional or cultural.

» SSY for Daughter Is Good, But Needs Review

– Rs.6 lakh already in SSY is sufficient base.
– Rs.10k monthly is also a high contribution.
– SSY interest is fixed and tax-free.
– But liquidity is low and withdrawal is restricted.
– Reduce SSY to Rs.5k monthly going forward.
– Use balance Rs.5k in child-focused mutual funds.

» Post Retirement, You Need Monthly Income

– You want Rs.75k per month after 45.
– That is Rs.9 lakh yearly, adjusted for inflation.
– This must last for 30+ years.
– This needs a corpus of several crores.
– You must build this in 12 years only.
– Hence every rupee must work harder now.

» Emergency Fund Is Missing

– No mention of liquid emergency funds.
– At least Rs.3–4 lakh should be kept aside.
– Use liquid mutual funds for this.
– Avoid keeping it in savings account.
– Emergency funds protect you during job loss or illness.

» Plan Investments After Loan Closure

– Once loan closes, you save Rs.10k EMI.
– Add this to mutual fund SIP.
– This will increase your monthly SIP to Rs.35k.
– This will help you hit target faster.
– Don’t stop SIP even after retirement.

» Investment Buckets Must Be Separate

– Retirement corpus and daughter’s education must be separate.
– Don’t mix both in one portfolio.
– Create folios for each goal with SIP mapping.
– This gives better clarity and discipline.
– You won’t withdraw from retirement for education.

» After Retirement, Plan Phased Withdrawals

– Don’t withdraw full corpus at 45.
– Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) in equity mutual funds.
– This gives monthly income and keeps capital growing.
– Switch some funds to debt for safety.
– Keep 2 years of expenses in debt fund.

» Mutual Fund Taxation Rules Matter

– Equity funds taxed at 12.5% if gains exceed Rs.1.25 lakh.
– Short-term equity gains taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds taxed as per your income slab.
– Plan redemptions in parts to save tax.
– Avoid panic selling to reduce tax burden.

» Consider Multi-Asset Allocation

– Use a mix of equity, hybrid and debt funds.
– Hybrid gives smoother returns and reduces shocks.
– Don’t keep 100% in equity or gold.
– Multi-asset approach helps reduce emotional decision making.

» Avoid Real Estate as Retirement Option

– Real estate is illiquid and costly.
– Maintenance cost and taxes are high.
– Selling property is not always quick or easy.
– You need monthly income, not capital block.
– Focus on financial assets instead.

» Health and Life Insurance Is a Must

– At 33, you can get low-cost life cover.
– Take Rs.1 crore term plan immediately.
– Also get Rs.10–15 lakh health cover for family.
– Don't rely only on employer cover.
– Review policies every few years.

» Review Your Plan Every Year

– Your goals and income may change.
– Review SIPs, funds, and expenses once a year.
– Replace underperforming funds if needed.
– Don't change plans too frequently.
– Discipline is more important than timing.

» Delay NPS Withdrawal Until Age 60

– NPS is useful for retirement after 60.
– Let it grow till maturity without touch.
– You will get pension and lump sum at that time.
– Do not depend on NPS for early retirement.

» Final Insights

– You are in a strong position.
– With smart shifts, you can retire early.
– Reduce gold and SSY contributions gradually.
– Use those savings to boost mutual fund SIPs.
– Avoid direct plans and index funds.
– Always stay guided by a Certified Financial Planner.
– Review all plans yearly and stay committed.
– Retirement at 45 is possible with right steps.
– Start today and stay focused.

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.
Money

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2024

Money
Hi, I am 26 years unmarried girl earning 75k monthly with 4lacs gold, 1lakh PF , monthly 5k in LIC , I want to retire by 45 need investment advice
Ans: It's great to see you taking charge of your financial future. Your goal of retiring by 45 is achievable with a well-structured plan. Given your current assets and monthly income, let’s explore how you can work towards this goal effectively. I'll guide you through some investment strategies that align with your aspirations.

Understanding Your Current Financial Picture
You’re in a strong financial position with a monthly income of Rs 75,000. You also have Rs 4 lakhs in gold and Rs 1 lakh in your Provident Fund (PF). Additionally, you are contributing Rs 5,000 monthly to LIC. These are good starting points.

However, to retire early, we need to diversify and optimize your investments. Your current assets are stable but may not grow aggressively enough to meet your retirement goal. Let's delve into how you can enhance your investment strategy.

Building a Robust Investment Plan
Diversifying Beyond Traditional Assets
Gold and PF are stable, but not very high-growth. Your gold assets (Rs 4 lakhs) provide a safety net, and your PF offers a steady return. But to retire by 45, we need to aim for higher returns.

Start investing in mutual funds. They offer higher growth potential and are a key tool in building wealth.

Mutual Funds: The Power of Compounding
Mutual funds pool money from many investors to invest in securities. There are several types, each with different risk levels and growth potentials.

Equity mutual funds invest in stocks and are great for long-term growth. They come in various categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Debt mutual funds are less risky and invest in bonds and other fixed-income instruments. They provide stable returns, though lower than equity funds.

Balanced or hybrid mutual funds combine equity and debt. They offer moderate risk and can be a good middle ground for conservative investors.

The power of compounding in mutual funds cannot be overstated. Reinvesting your returns means your investment grows exponentially over time. This is crucial for accumulating wealth by the time you reach 45.

Evaluating Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are handled by professional fund managers who aim to outperform the market. This can lead to higher returns compared to index funds, which simply track market indices.

Although index funds are low-cost, they often underperform in volatile markets. Actively managed funds, though having higher fees, offer the potential for better returns due to strategic buying and selling by experienced managers.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount in mutual funds regularly, usually monthly. This approach is great for disciplined investing and reduces the impact of market volatility.

Starting SIPs with as little as Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per month in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds can be a game-changer. It allows you to benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Assessing Your LIC Investment
You mentioned a monthly contribution of Rs 5,000 to LIC. It's worth reviewing this investment. Traditional LIC policies often offer lower returns compared to other investment options.

Consider redirecting some or all of these contributions towards higher-growth investments like mutual funds. This can significantly enhance your retirement corpus.

Setting Up an Emergency Fund
Before diving deeper into investments, ensure you have an emergency fund. This should cover at least 6 to 12 months of your living expenses.

This fund should be easily accessible and can be kept in a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund. An emergency fund protects you from financial disruptions and allows your investments to grow without interruptions.

Leveraging Tax-Advantaged Investments
Maximize your investments in tax-advantaged options like Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS). ELSS funds not only provide tax benefits under Section 80C but also offer the potential for higher returns due to their equity exposure.

Additionally, take full advantage of your PF contributions, as they provide tax-free returns and are a safe, long-term investment.

Planning for Inflation
Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time. Your investment strategy must account for this. Equity investments, especially over the long term, have historically outpaced inflation.

When planning your retirement corpus, consider an annual inflation rate of around 6-7%. This ensures your retirement savings will maintain their value and support your lifestyle even years down the line.

Investing for Different Time Horizons
Your investments should align with your goals and time horizons. For long-term goals like retirement, focus on equity mutual funds. These funds can offer high returns and benefit from the long-term growth of the market.

For medium-term goals (5-10 years), balanced or hybrid funds are ideal. They provide growth while mitigating risk with a mix of equity and debt.

For short-term goals (less than 5 years), stick to debt funds or fixed deposits. These are lower risk and provide stable returns, ensuring your money is safe when you need it.

Reassessing and Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. Market conditions and personal circumstances change, and so should your investment strategy.

Rebalancing your portfolio involves adjusting the asset allocation to maintain your desired level of risk. If your equity investments grow faster than your debt investments, for example, you may need to shift some money from equity to debt to keep your portfolio balanced.

Preparing for Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs can be significant in retirement. Consider investing in health insurance to cover major medical expenses. This will protect your savings and ensure you have the financial resources to handle unexpected health issues.

Creating a Retirement Budget
Estimate your retirement expenses based on your current lifestyle and future aspirations. This includes daily living costs, healthcare, travel, and any other personal goals.

Creating a budget helps you understand how much you need to save and ensures you stay on track with your financial goals. It also allows you to adjust your savings and investments as needed.

Considering Professional Guidance
Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can be invaluable. A CFP can provide personalized advice and help you create a comprehensive financial plan.

They can guide you through complex investment decisions, tax planning, and retirement strategies, ensuring you stay on track to achieve your goal of retiring by 45.

Embracing Financial Discipline
Achieving early retirement requires financial discipline. Live within your means, avoid unnecessary debt, and regularly save and invest.

Automate your investments to ensure consistency and take advantage of market opportunities. Staying disciplined and focused on your goals will make early retirement a reality.

Final Insights
Retiring by 45 is an ambitious and exciting goal. With strategic planning and disciplined investing, you can achieve it.

Focus on building a diversified portfolio, leveraging the power of mutual funds, and consistently reviewing and adjusting your investments.

Stay committed to your financial goals and seek professional advice when needed. Your dedication today will pave the way for a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 47 years old. I have started investing in mutual fund (SIP) only since last one year due to some financial obligations. Currently I am investing Rs.33K per month in various SIPS. The details are: Kotak Mahindra Market Growth (Rs. 1500), Aditya BSL Low Duration Growth (Rs. 1400), HDFC Mid-cap Growth (Rs. 12000), Nippon India Large Cap Growth (Rs. 3000), Bandhan small cap (Rs. 5000), Motilal Oswal Flexicap Growth (Rs. 5000), ICICI Pru Flexicap growth (Rs. 5000). I have also started to invest Rs. 1,50,000 per year in PPF since last year. Can I sustain if I retire by the age of 62?
Ans: I can help you with your retirement planning.
You have given a very detailed picture of your investments.
You have also shown strong intent to build wealth at 47.
This itself is a big positive start.

Your Current Efforts

– You started late due to obligations.
– That is understandable.
– You still took charge.
– You now invest Rs.33K every month.
– You also invest Rs.1,50,000 a year in PPF.
– You follow discipline.
– You follow consistency.
– These habits matter the most.
– These habits will help your retirement.
– You deserve appreciation for this foundation.

» Your Current Investment Mix

– You invest in various equity funds.
– You also invest in one low duration debt fund.
– You invest across mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and small cap.
– This gives you some spread.
– You also invest in PPF.
– PPF gives safety.
– PPF gives steady growth.
– This mix creates balance.

– Please note one point.
– You hold direct plans.
– Direct plans look cheaper outside.
– But they are not always helpful for long-term investors.
– Many investors pick wrong funds.
– Many investors track markets wrongly.
– Many investors redeem at wrong times.
– This affects returns more than the saved expense ratio.
– Regular plans through a MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– Regular plans also help you stay on track.
– Behaviour gap is a major cost in direct funds.
– Thus regular plans with CFP support work better for long-term investors.
– They can correct mistakes.
– They can help with asset mix.
– They can help you stay steady during market drops.
– This gives higher final wealth than direct funds in most cases.

» Your Retirement Age Goal

– You plan to retire at 62.
– You are 47 now.
– You have 15 years left.
– Fifteen years is still a strong time line.
– You can allow compounding to work well.
– Your corpus can grow meaningfully by 62.
– You can also improve your savings rate during this time.

» Assessing If Your Current Plan Supports Retirement

– There are many parts to assess.
– You need to look at your saving rate.
– You need to look at your growth rate.
– You need to look at your future lifestyle cost.
– You need to look at inflation.
– You need to look at post-retirement income need.
– You need to see if your present plan matches this.

– Right now, your total yearly investment is:
– Rs.33K per month in SIP.
– That is Rs.3,96,000 per year.
– Plus Rs.1,50,000 in PPF each year.
– So your total yearly investment is Rs.5,46,000.
– This is a good number.
– This can help your retirement journey.

» Understanding Equity Funds in Your Mix

– You invest in mid cap.
– Mid cap can give good growth.
– Mid cap also carries higher swings.
– You invest in small cap.
– Small cap is the most volatile.
– It can give high returns if held for long.
– But it needs patience.
– You invest in large cap exposure.
– Large cap gives stability.
– You invest in flexi cap.
– Flexi cap funds adjust strategy.
– Flexi cap funds give managers more control.
– Active management is useful in Indian markets.
– Fund managers can shift between market caps.
– They can pick good sectors.
– This improves return potential.
– This is a benefit that index funds do not have.
– Index funds just copy the index.
– Index funds do not avoid weak companies.
– Index funds cannot take smart calls.
– Index funds also rise in cost whenever the index churns.
– Active funds can protect downside.
– Active funds can find better opportunities.
– This is helpful for long-term wealth building.
– So your move towards active funds is fine.

» Understanding PPF in Your Mix

– Your PPF adds stability.
– It gives assured growth.
– It also gives tax benefits.
– It builds a stable part of your retirement base.
– It reduces overall risk in your portfolio.
– It works well over long years.
– You have also chosen a steady long-term asset.
– This is beneficial for retirement.

» Gaps That Need Attention

– Your funds are scattered.
– You hold too many schemes.
– Each additional scheme overlaps with others.
– This reduces impact.
– It also becomes hard to track.
– You can reduce your scheme count.
– A more focused mix can give smoother progress.
– Rebalancing becomes easier.
– You can keep fewer funds but maintain asset spread.
– You can also map each fund to a purpose.

– You also need clarity about your retirement income need.
– Many investors skip this.
– You must know how much money you need per month at 62.
– You must add inflation.
– You must add health needs.
– You must also add lifestyle goals.

» Your Future Lifestyle Cost

– Your cost will rise with inflation.
– Inflation affects food, transport, medical needs.
– Medical inflation is higher than normal inflation.
– Retirement planning must consider this.
– You also need to consider family responsibilities.
– You must consider emergencies.
– You must also consider rising cost of daily life.
– This helps estimate the required retirement corpus.

» Your Future Corpus From Current Savings

– Without giving strict numbers, you can expect growth.
– You invest steadily.
– You invest for 15 years.
– Your equity portion can grow better over long time.
– Your PPF gives predictable growth.
– Your mix can create a decent retirement base.
– But you will need to increase your SIP over time.
– You can raise your SIP by 5% to 10% each year.
– Even small increases help.
– This builds a stronger corpus.
– Your final retirement amount becomes much higher.

» Need for Periodic Review

– Markets change.
– Life situations change.
– Your goals may shift.
– Your income may rise.
– Your responsibilities may change.
– Review every year.
– Adjust as needed.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help.
– This gives clarity.
– This gives structure.
– This gives confidence.
– You can reduce mistakes.
– You can follow proper asset allocation.

» Asset Allocation Approach for Smooth Growth

– You must decide your ideal equity percentage.
– You must decide your ideal debt percentage.
– If you take too much equity, risk increases.
– If you take too little equity, growth reduces.
– You must keep balance.
– It must match your risk comfort.
– It must support your retirement goal.
– Right allocation brings discipline.
– Rebalancing once a year helps.
– Rebalancing controls emotion.
– Rebalancing increases long-term returns.
– Rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy.

» Importance of Staying Invested During Market Swings

– Markets move up and down.
– Swings are normal.
– Equity grows over long time.
– Equity needs patience.
– People often fear drops.
– They exit at wrong time.
– This hurts long-term wealth.
– You must stay steady.
– You must trust your long-term plan.
– You must follow guidance.
– This improves retirement success.

» Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Many investors pick funds based on recent returns.
– This is risky.
– Fund selection needs deeper view.
– Fund must match your risk.
– Fund must match your time horizon.
– Fund must have consistent process.
– Fund must show reliable pattern.
– Avoid sudden changes.
– Avoid chasing trends.
– Stay with a disciplined plan.
– This ensures better results.

– You must avoid mixing too many categories.
– Focused mix works better.
– Smaller set makes control easy.
– This reduces confusion.

– Do not rely on direct funds for long-term goals.
– Direct funds lack guided support.
– Behavioral mistakes cost more than the lower expense ratio.
– Regular plans help you stay invested.
– They help avoid panic.
– They help during reviews.
– They help create proper asset allocation.
– They help you use the fund in the right way.
– Investment discipline is more important than low cost.
– Regular plans with CFP support deliver this discipline.

» Inflation Protection Through Growth Assets

– Equity protects from inflation.
– PPF adds safety.
– Balanced mix protects your purchasing power.
– Retirement needs this balance.
– Long-term equity portion helps create a healthy corpus.
– This allows you to meet rising living cost.

» How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan From Now

– Increase SIP every year.
– Even slight hikes help.
– Be consistent.
– Avoid stopping during market drops.
– Do a yearly check-up.
– Reduce scheme count.
– Keep a clear structure.
– Assign each fund a purpose.
– Build an emergency fund.
– This will protect your SIP flow.
– Continue PPF.
– It gives stability.
– It protects your long-term needs.

» Possibility of Sustaining Life After Retirement

– Yes, you can sustain.
– But it depends on three things:
– Your future living cost.
– Your total corpus at retirement.
– Your discipline during retirement.

– If you continue your present saving, your base will grow.
– If you raise your SIP each year, your base will grow faster.
– If you keep a proper asset mix, your base will grow safely.
– If you avoid emotional mistakes, your base will stay strong.
– If you review yearly, your plan will stay on track.

– So sustaining life after retirement is possible.
– You just need stronger structure.
– You also need steady guidance.
– This ensures confidence.

» Retirement Income Planning After Age 62

– Your retirement income must come from a mix.
– Part from equity.
– Part from debt.
– Part from stable instruments.
– Do not depend on one source.
– Plan your withdrawal pattern.
– Take small and stable withdrawals.
– Keep some equity even after retirement.
– This helps your corpus last longer.
– Do not shift everything to debt at retirement.
– That reduces growth too much.
– Balanced approach keeps your money alive.
– This supports your life for long years.

» Health and Emergency Preparedness

– Health costs rise fast.
– You must plan for it.
– Keep health insurance active.
– Keep top-up if needed.
– Keep separate emergency money.
– Do not depend on your investments during emergencies.
– Emergency fund protects your retirement portfolio.
– This keeps compounding intact.
– You can handle shocks with ease.

» Tax Awareness

– Be aware of mutual fund tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed as per your slab.
– Plan redemptions wisely.
– Do not redeem often.
– Keep long-term horizon.
– This reduces tax impact.
– This helps wealth building.

» Summary of Your Retirement Possibility

– You have a good start.
– You have a workable time frame.
– You have a steady contribution.
– You must refine your portfolio.
– You must increase SIP yearly.
– You must reduce scheme count.
– You must follow asset allocation.
– You must stay disciplined.
– You must get yearly review from a CFP.
– If you follow these, you can reach a healthy retirement base.

» Final Insights

– You are on the right path.
– You have taken the key step by starting.
– You can still create a strong retirement corpus even at 47.
– Fifteen years is enough if you stay consistent.
– Your mix of equity and PPF is good.
– With discipline and structure, your future can stay secure.
– With yearly guidance, you can avoid mistakes.
– With increased SIP, you can boost your corpus.
– You can aim for a peaceful and confident retirement at 62.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Money
I am 43 yrs old, have sip in Nifty 50 - 3500 Nifty next 50 - 3000 Nippon large cap - 3500 Hdfc midcap - 2500 Parag Flexicap - 3000 Tata small cap - 1300 Gold sip - 500 Hdfc debt fund - 700, lumsum of 10000 in motilal midcap and 20k in quant small cap. accumulated around 2.30 lakhs, started from June, 2024. But overall xirr is very less 3.11. Should I continue the above sips or which sips should be stopped?
Ans: You have started early in 2024, and you already built Rs 2.30 lakhs. This shows discipline. This shows patience. This gives you a good base for your future wealth.

Your XIRR looks low now. This is normal. You started only a few months back. SIPs show low return in the start. Markets move up and down. Early numbers look flat. They look small. They look discouraging. But they improve with time. They improve with longer SIP flow. So please stay calm. The start is always slow. The finish is always strong.

Your effort is strong. Your SIP list is wide. Your savings habit is good. You started at 43 years, but you still have good time to grow your wealth. Every disciplined month builds confidence. Your choices show that you want growth. You want stability. You want balance. This is a good sign.

» Current Portfolio Snapshot
You invest in many groups.

– You invest in Nifty 50.
– You invest in Nifty Next 50.
– You invest in a large cap fund.
– You invest in a midcap fund.
– You invest in a flexicap fund.
– You invest in a small cap fund.
– You invest in gold.
– You invest in a debt fund.
– You put lumpsum in a midcap and small cap fund.

This looks wide. But wide does not mean effective. You hold too many funds in similar areas. That gives duplication. That reduces clarity. That reduces control. You need sharper structure. You need cleaner lines.

» Why Your XIRR Is Low
Your XIRR is only 3.11%. This is normal. Here is why.

– SIP started in June 2024. Very new.
– SIP amount spread across many funds.
– Market volatility in 2024 made early returns look low.
– SIP returns always look weak in early days. They grow with time.

Low short-term return is not a sign of failure. It is not a sign to stop. It is only a sign of market timing. SIP is for long periods. Not for few months.

» Problem of Index Funds in Your Portfolio
You invest in Nifty 50 and Nifty Next 50. Both are index funds. Index funds follow a fixed rule. They copy the index. They do not use research. They do not use fund manager skill. They do not adjust during bad markets. They do not protect much in down cycles. They lock you into index ups and downs.

In India, active fund managers add value. They find better stocks. They exit weak stocks faster. They manage risk better. They use research teams. They use market cycles well. They often beat index returns over long periods.

Index funds look simple. But they lack decision power. They lack flexibility. They lack protection. They give average results. They track the market exactly. They cannot outperform it.

So index funds are not the best choice for your long-term goal. Active funds give more control and more upside over long years.

» Problem of Too Many Funds
You hold too many funds across the same categories. This creates overlap. Two different schemes may hold same stocks. You think you diversify. But you repeat exposure. This weakens your plan.

Too many funds also keep your attention scattered. It reduces discipline. You waste time comparing each fund. You feel lost. You feel uncertain.

Better to keep fewer funds but stronger funds.

» Problem of Direct Funds
If any of your funds are in direct plans, please take note. Direct plans look cheaper because they have lower expense ratio. But they do not give guidance. They do not give personalised strategy. They do not give support during market falls. They do not give behavioural guidance.

Many investors make wrong moves in market dips. They stop SIPs. They redeem at the wrong time. They switch funds too often. They chase returns. This reduces wealth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner keep you disciplined. They give structure. They give long-term guidance. They reduce errors. They reduce behaviour risk. This helps more than small cost savings.

Regular plans also offer better hand-holding for asset mix, review and goal clarity. This adds real value.

» Fund-by-Fund Assessment
Let me now look at each SIP.

Nifty 50 – This is an index fund. It is passive. It is rigid. Active large-cap funds do better in many years. You may stop this over time.

Nifty Next 50 – Another index fund. Very volatile. Very narrow. You may stop this too.

Nippon large cap – This is active. This is fine. It can stay.

HDFC midcap – This is active. Good long-term category. You can keep this.

Parag flexicap – Flexicap is versatile. Useful for long-term. You can keep this.

Tata small cap – Small caps can grow well. But they need patience. They also need limited allocation. You can keep, but maintain control.

Gold SIP – Small gold SIP is okay for safety.

HDFC debt fund – Debt brings stability. Small SIP is fine.

Lumpsum in midcap and small cap – Keep these invested. They will grow with cycles.

The two index funds are the most unnecessary parts of your plan. These can be stopped. These can be replaced with good active funds already in your system.

» Suggested Structure
You need a cleaner layout.

Keep one large cap active fund.

Keep one midcap active fund.

Keep one flexicap fund.

Keep one small cap fund.

Keep one debt fund.

Keep a small gold part.

This is enough. This gives balance. It gives clarity. It gives growth. It avoids overlap. It avoids confusion.

» SIP Continuation Guidance
Here is the simple view.

Continue your large cap SIP.

Continue your midcap SIP.

Continue your flexicap SIP.

Continue your small cap SIP.

Continue gold SIP.

Continue debt SIP in small proportion.

Stop the Nifty 50 SIP.

Stop the Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Move those two SIP amounts into your existing active funds. This gives you better long-term power.

» Behaviour and Patience
Your returns will not show big numbers for now. You need time. You need patience. You need consistency. SIP is not a race. SIP is a habit. SIP grows slowly. Then it grows big.

Do not judge your plan by the first few months. Judge it after many years. That is where SIP wins. That is where compounding works. That is where discipline shines.

» What Matters More Than Fund Names
The biggest cornerstones are:

Your discipline.

Your patience.

Your time in market.

Your stable SIP flow.

Your emotional stability.

These matter more than any fund selection. You are building them well.

» Asset Mix Guidance
Your mix of equity, debt and gold is good. But you should review this once a year. As you move closer to retirement, increase debt slowly. Reduce small cap slowly. This protects you. This stabilises your progress.

A Certified Financial Planner can help align your asset mix to your goals. This adds real value. This gives stronger structure.

» Taxation View
If you redeem equity funds in future, then keep the current rule in mind. Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakhs per year are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. For debt funds, both gains are taxed as per your income slab.

This will matter only when you redeem. For now, your focus should be growth, not selling.

» Your Long-Term Wealth Path
You have good earnings years ahead. You have strong potential for growth. Your SIP habit is strong. You only need to clean your portfolio. You only need better structure. Then your money will grow well.

You can grow a meaningful corpus if you stay steady. You can even increase SIP when income grows. This gives faster results.

» Emotional Balance
Do not check returns every week. Do not check every month. Check once in six months. Check once in twelve months. SIP is a long game. Treat it like a long game.

Your small XIRR today does not decide your future. Your discipline decides it. You already have it.

» Step-by-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Stop Nifty 50 SIP.

Step 2: Stop Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Step 3: Keep all the remaining SIPs.

Step 4: Shift the stopped SIP amount into your existing large cap and flexicap funds.

Step 5: Continue gold and debt in small amounts.

Step 6: Review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Step 7: Increase SIP amount slowly when income grows.

Step 8: Stay invested for long term.

Step 9: Do not judge returns too early.

Step 10: Keep your patience strong.

» Finally
Your foundation is strong. Your habit is disciplined. Your mix only needs refinement. Your returns will grow with time. Your portfolio will gain strength with consistency. Your path is steady. Your plan will reward you if you follow it with calm and clarity.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |180 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi. I have been in a long distance relationship since 6 months,and i have known my boyfriend since 10 months. He is very understanding, caring,and honest person. He had already told everything about us for his parents and their parents agreed. We both are financially independent. I told my relationship to my parents and they are against it as my boyfriend is from lower caste, different region, not done his degree from a reputed college but a local engineering college, and his status. They are thinking about relatives, and society what will they say, about their pride, status, and all the respect they have earned uptill now will vanish because of my decision. My parents are very protective of me and have given me everything and like me a lot.They are saying its long distance you might have met only 15 times you don't see this person daily to judge his character. If you have known this person for atleast 2/3 years, with u meeting him daily it would be different. But the person i met is honest from the start. They are hurting daily because of my decision. I cant go against them and be happy.
Ans: 1. It is wonderful you have met someone special and in last 10 months you have met him 15 times which averages to meeting him 1.5 times a month. Is it possible to increase this and meet over every second weekend. Can you both travel once.

2. Parents are parents they worry and all parents are protective of their children as are yours. But if they are declining you because of caste etc then please question them asking them to give you an assurance that if they marry you to someone of their choice things will work - In reality there can be no assurance given for any relationship - found by you or introduced by parents as relationships need work by both...both need to grow up, both of you need to be happy individuals for relationship to work + if colleges were the deciding factor then we would not see divorces of those who married in the same caste or are from Stanford, MIT, IIT, IIMs, Inseads of the world.

Here is a suggestion/ recommendation
- meet his family
- get him to meet your parents
- let both set of parents meet

all the best

...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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