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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on Jun 03, 2022

Mutual Fund Expert... more
Munish Question by Munish on Jun 03, 2022Hindi
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I am a beginner in MFs and have recently started to invest in MF by SIP mode of 5000 Rs. Please suggest the funds and breakup for the same. I am investing in below funds:

  • Axis blue chip - 2000
  • Icici prudential blue chip - 500
  • Mirae asset emerging bluechip - 1000
  • Parag Parikh flexi cap – 1500

Ans: Nice choice of funds; please continue

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  |8864 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 29, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I want to invest in MFs SIP for the next 5 years till my retirement. I can invest 70,000 per month. I am very new in this field. I have no debts or loans, and I am having 50L in FD. Could you please let me know the best MF names and allocation percentage to gain better returns for my retirement corpus.
Ans: Investing Rs 70,000 monthly in mutual funds for the next five years is a wise decision. Your financial stability and disciplined savings will help build a solid retirement corpus. With the right fund allocation and selection, you can maximise returns.

Below is a structured plan for your mutual fund investments to align with your retirement goal.

Investment Strategy and Allocation
A well-diversified portfolio will help achieve optimal growth and manage risk. Allocating funds to different categories of mutual funds will allow balanced growth and stability.

Suggested Allocation:

Large-Cap Funds: 40%
Large-cap funds invest in well-established, top-performing companies. These funds are relatively stable and offer steady growth, which aligns well with your retirement goal.

Flexi-Cap or Multi-Cap Funds: 30%
Flexi-cap or multi-cap funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap segments. They add growth potential by allowing flexibility in allocation based on market conditions. This helps balance risks and boosts returns.

Mid-Cap Funds: 20%
Mid-cap funds invest in mid-sized companies that have growth potential. While they carry slightly higher risk than large-cap funds, they can significantly enhance your returns.

Debt or Liquid Funds: 10%
Debt or liquid funds add stability and liquidity to your portfolio. These funds are less volatile, making them a safe place to park a portion of your funds. They provide easier access in case you need emergency funds during retirement.

By following this allocation, you can optimise growth while maintaining a level of safety in your portfolio.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Investing in actively managed funds is beneficial, especially with retirement in mind. Actively managed funds have experienced managers who aim to beat the market, offering better returns than index funds, which merely mirror the market.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Lack of Flexibility: Index funds are bound to follow the index strictly. This limits growth during market fluctuations.

Missed Opportunities: Index funds cannot take advantage of market trends or opportunities, as they lack active management.

Limited Downside Protection: Actively managed funds provide some downside protection as managers can adjust portfolios based on market conditions.

Actively managed funds, managed by a qualified Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP), can help you achieve your goals through better risk management and strategic portfolio adjustments.

Benefits of Choosing Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
While direct funds might appear attractive with lower expense ratios, regular funds often yield better results for investors. Investing through a CFP-backed MFD can provide significant advantages, especially if you are new to mutual funds.

Drawbacks of Direct Funds:

Lack of Guidance: Direct funds do not offer professional advice, which is essential for effective long-term investing.

Higher Risk for New Investors: Without guidance, new investors can struggle with fund selection and portfolio rebalancing, impacting returns.

Time-Intensive: Managing direct funds requires regular analysis and time. Regular funds, however, include expert oversight, ensuring adjustments are made as needed.

By investing in regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner, you gain both expertise and ongoing management, which can lead to higher returns and peace of mind.

Tax Implications on Your Mutual Fund Returns
Understanding the tax rules on mutual fund gains is essential for maximising post-tax returns. Let’s break down the key taxation rules for equity and debt mutual funds.

Equity Funds:
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) over Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains (for holdings under one year) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds:
Gains from debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income tax slab for both long-term and short-term investments.

Planning with tax efficiency in mind will help maximise your retirement corpus. A certified financial planner can guide you on strategies to manage taxes while achieving your goals.

Estimating Future Investment Amount
To achieve a retirement corpus of Rs 2 crores, it’s important to consider factors like inflation, expected returns, and your time horizon. Based on your goal, a certified financial planner can provide personalised investment projections. While mutual funds are known for long-term growth, regular monitoring and adjustments will keep your plan on track.

Final Insights
Your monthly SIP of Rs 70,000, spread across diversified funds, will create a strong foundation for your retirement corpus. With no debts and a secure foundation in fixed deposits, you are well-positioned for growth. By focusing on an actively managed and diversified portfolio, you can potentially outperform the market and meet your financial objectives.

Key Takeaways:

Stay invested in a diversified mix of large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, and debt funds.

Avoid index and direct funds; regular, actively managed funds through a CFP provide strategic growth and management.

Monitor tax implications to maximise post-tax returns.

Consult with a certified financial planner for personalised advice and portfolio adjustments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8864 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
I have 10lakh rupees with me which I want to use for my new flat interiors in 6months. Every month I am planning to add 1lakh rupees to this. Please let me know the right place to park the money with no risk. Currently I am keeping this in idfc savings account which gives better returns when compared to my icici Salary account
Ans: Since your requirement is for using the money in six months and you are looking for zero-risk options, your money must be kept in safe, liquid, and interest-earning instruments. You are currently keeping the amount in IDFC First Bank’s savings account, which is already better than regular savings accounts. But there are even better options for this short-term goal.

Your Situation and Goal

You have Rs. 10 lakh now.
You will add Rs. 1 lakh every month for 6 months.
You want to use this for interior work.
You want full safety for your money.
You want better returns than a regular savings account.
You do not want to take any market risk.

What You Must Avoid

Do not invest in mutual funds.
Even liquid funds are not 100% safe.
They are market-linked.
Their returns are not fixed.
They also have tax on gains.
Avoid shares, ULIPs, real estate, or corporate bonds.
Avoid any product with lock-in or price fluctuation.

Best Options for You

1. Auto Sweep Fixed Deposit

Your IDFC First Bank offers auto sweep FD.
Extra money in savings goes to FD automatically.
This earns better interest than savings account.
If you need money, it auto-breaks the FD.
This gives both safety and liquidity.
Keep Rs. 2 lakh in savings account.
Put Rs. 8 lakh in auto sweep FD.

2. Recurring Deposit for Monthly Additions

You plan to add Rs. 1 lakh every month.
Start a new 6-month RD every month.
This earns fixed interest and is fully safe.
Each RD will mature when your payments begin.
This matches your need for funds gradually.
Interest rate can be 6.5% to 7% per annum.

3. Fixed Deposits for 180 Days

If auto sweep is not available, use short-term FDs.
Place Rs. 8 lakh in three or four small FDs.
Each FD can be for Rs. 2 lakh.
Tenure can be 180 days.
If you need money, break one FD only.
Keep Rs. 2 lakh in savings for emergency.

What Not to Use

Don’t use mutual funds.
Even liquid or arbitrage funds can fluctuate.
They also have new tax rules.
Short-term gains are taxed at slab rate.
Also, there is no guarantee of returns.
Don’t use T-bills or government bonds.
They are not flexible for 6-month use.

Step-by-Step Execution

Step 1: Keep Rs. 2 lakh in IDFC savings account.
This gives quick access for small payments.

Step 2: Put Rs. 8 lakh in 180-day FD or auto sweep FD.
Check which gives higher interest.

Step 3: Start one RD every month with Rs. 1 lakh.
Total six RDs, each for 6 months.

After 6 months, your total money will be Rs. 16 lakh.
Your RDs will start maturing one by one.
Use the money for each phase of interior work.

Expected Earnings

FD of Rs. 10 lakh at 7% for 6 months gives about Rs. 35,000.
Six RDs of Rs. 1 lakh each may give Rs. 11,000 in total interest.
So, total interest you can expect is around Rs. 46,000.
This is better than a savings account and is risk-free.

Tax Points to Remember

Interest on FD and RD is taxable.
It is added to your income.
You must pay tax as per your slab.
Bank will deduct TDS if total interest is above Rs. 40,000.
Still, you must show all interest in your ITR.
If your spouse is in lower tax slab, invest in their name.
This reduces overall tax on interest earned.

Extra Safety Tips

Keep all deposits below Rs. 5 lakh per person per bank.
This keeps your money insured under DICGC.
Use your spouse’s name if you need more FD space.
Use scheduled banks only.
Avoid small NBFCs or unknown finance companies.
Always choose capital safety first.

Final Insights

You are on the right track.
Your decision to avoid risky products is wise.
Stick to FDs, RDs, and auto sweep for short-term goals.
This gives you guaranteed returns and easy access.
Do not be tempted by higher returns from market products.
Stay focused on safety and capital protection.
By following this plan, you will have Rs. 16 lakh ready in 6 months.
You will also earn around Rs. 46,000 extra without any risk.
This is the best balance between safety, liquidity, and returns for now.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...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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