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Dev Ashish  | Answer  |Ask -

MF Expert, Financial Planner - Answered on Aug 24, 2023

Dev Ashish is a fee-only SEBI-registered investment advisor with over 15 years of active experience in the stock market. In 2011, he founded StableInvestor, a platform for personal finance and financial planning.
He provides professional fee-only investment advisory services to small and high networth individuals in order to help them achieve their financial goals.
Ashish's views are regularly published in national business publications. He has an MBA degree from NMIMS, Mumbai and also holds an engineering degree.... more
Mohan Question by Mohan on Aug 22, 2023Hindi
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Best mutual fund to invest for new investor am aggressive investor

Ans: If you plan to invest in equity funds), you need to have a time horizon of at least 5+ years if not more. If this is applicable in your case, then you can consider investing in any good largecap index fund, or flexicap fund or if you don't want to invest fully in equities, then can consider Aggressive Hybrid Funds (which have 60-70% in equities).

Note (Disclaimer) - As a SEBI RIA, I cannot comment on specific schemes/funds that are provided or asked for in the questions in the platform. And the views expressed above should not be considered professional investment advice or advertisement or otherwise. No specific product/service recommendations have been made and the answers here are for general educational purposes only. The readers are requested to take into consideration all the risk factors including their financial condition, suitability to risk-return profile and the like and take professional investment advice before investing.
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  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 29, 2024

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dear sir, i am new to investing, can u suggest few best mutual funds?
Ans: Investing in mutual funds can be a smart choice. As a beginner, selecting the right funds is crucial.

Understanding Mutual Fund Categories
Large Cap Funds
Stability and Reliability
These funds invest in big companies.
They are less risky and provide steady growth.
Flexi Cap Funds
Versatility and Balance
They invest across large, mid, and small caps.
This offers a balanced and flexible approach.
Mid Cap Funds
Growth Potential
These funds invest in medium-sized companies.
They have higher growth potential but also higher risk.
Small Cap Funds
High Risk, High Reward
These invest in small companies.
They can deliver high returns but are very volatile.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management
Expertise at Work
Active funds are managed by experts.
They pick stocks with high potential.
Potential for Higher Returns
Beating the Market
Active funds aim to outperform the market.
This can lead to better returns than index funds.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Lack of Flexibility
Index funds follow a set index.
They cannot adjust to market changes.
Benefits of Regular Funds
Guidance and Support
Investing through an MFD with CFP credentials provides guidance.
Regular funds offer support and advice, unlike direct funds.
Suggested Mutual Fund Types
Balanced Approach
Large Cap and Flexi Cap Mix
A mix of these funds provides stability and growth.
This is ideal for beginners.
Growth-Oriented Approach
Adding Mid Cap Funds
Include mid caps for higher growth potential.
This suits those willing to take some risk.
Aggressive Approach
Including Small Cap Funds
Add small caps for high returns.
This is for those comfortable with high risk.
Portfolio Allocation Tips
Diversify Wisely
Mix Different Types
Don’t put all your money in one type of fund.
Diversification reduces risk.
Regular Monitoring
Stay Informed
Keep track of your investments.
Adjust your portfolio as needed.
Avoid Over-Diversification
Focused Investments
Too many funds can dilute your returns.
Focus on a few high-performing funds.
Final Insights
Starting your investment journey with mutual funds is a wise decision. Understand the types of funds and their benefits. Opt for actively managed funds for better returns. Diversify wisely and monitor your investments regularly. This will help you achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 20, 2025

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What is best mutual fund to invest now
Ans: Selecting the best mutual fund depends on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon. It’s essential to focus on diversification, consistency, and professional management. Let’s evaluate the factors and categories you should consider for investment:

Factors to Consider Before Investing
1. Financial Goals
Define whether your goal is short-term, medium-term, or long-term.
For long-term goals like retirement, focus on equity-oriented funds.
For short-term needs, prioritise debt or hybrid funds.
2. Risk Tolerance
Assess your risk-taking capacity.
For high risk tolerance, small-cap and mid-cap funds can be considered.
For moderate risk tolerance, opt for large-cap or balanced advantage funds.
3. Investment Horizon
Equity funds perform best over a 5–10 year horizon.
For horizons under three years, choose safer options like debt mutual funds.
4. Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual funds are taxed at 12.5% on LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh.
Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.
Choose funds aligned with your tax strategy.
Categories of Mutual Funds Based on Goals
1. Large-Cap Funds
Invest in established companies with stable performance.
Suitable for moderate risk-takers.
Provides consistency during market volatility.
2. Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds
Focus on medium and smaller companies with higher growth potential.
Suitable for investors with high risk appetite and long-term goals.
Volatility is higher compared to large-cap funds.
3. Multi-Cap and Flexi-Cap Funds
Invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.
Offers diversification and balanced risk.
Suitable for long-term goals with moderate risk tolerance.
4. Hybrid and Balanced Advantage Funds
A mix of equity and debt for stable growth.
Suitable for investors seeking moderate returns with lower risk.
Ideal for medium-term goals.
5. Debt Mutual Funds
Invest in government securities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments.
Suitable for short-term goals or conservative investors.
Provides steady but low returns.
Actively Managed Funds vs Index Funds
Disadvantages of Index Funds:
Index funds aim to match the market but lack active management.
They underperform during market corrections as they are entirely market-dependent.
Index funds do not focus on risk management, unlike actively managed funds.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:
These funds outperform during both rising and falling markets.
Professional fund managers allocate assets based on market conditions.
Actively managed funds can deliver superior long-term returns compared to index funds.
Avoid Direct Plans: Invest Through a Certified Financial Planner
Disadvantages of Direct Plans:
Direct plans require constant monitoring, which is time-consuming.
Without guidance, there is a risk of under-diversification or over-concentration.
Direct plans often lead to poor fund selection due to limited expertise.
Benefits of Regular Plans:
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures personalised advice.
CFPs monitor your portfolio and recommend adjustments.
You gain access to a diversified and goal-oriented portfolio.
Suggested Allocation Based on Goals
Short-Term Goals (0–3 Years):
Invest in ultra-short-term debt funds or liquid mutual funds.
Prioritise stability and liquidity.
Medium-Term Goals (3–5 Years):
Consider hybrid or balanced advantage funds.
These provide a mix of stability and moderate growth.
Long-Term Goals (5+ Years):
Focus on equity-oriented funds like large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds.
These funds harness the power of compounding over time.
Tax Efficiency for Your Investments
Equity Mutual Funds: Keep investments for more than one year to avoid 20% STCG.
Debt Mutual Funds: Withdraw strategically to avoid high tax liability, as per your slab rate.
Balanced Advantage Funds: These funds are more tax-efficient than pure debt funds.
Key Recommendations
Choose funds based on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon.
Maintain a diversified portfolio across equity, debt, and hybrid categories.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to customise your investment strategy.
Avoid index funds and direct plans. Stick to actively managed funds with regular plans.
Review your portfolio every six months for realignment.
Final Insights
Your decision to invest in mutual funds is a step toward financial independence. Select funds aligned with your goals, and rely on expert guidance for better results. Stay patient and disciplined to achieve your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

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Dear Sir, I am 47 years old IT professional. My current salary is 1.5 lakhs per month. I have a daughter who just completed her 10th board exam. My corpus is around 1.6Cr FD&PPF; 30 lakhs in MF & stocks; 50 lakhs in EPF. I have no debt and living in my own house. Please suggest if I can plan for retirement
Ans: Your financial position is strong, and planning for retirement at 47 is a smart decision. Below is a detailed 360-degree approach to assess whether you can retire comfortably and how to ensure financial security.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Income: Rs 1.5 lakh per month.

Corpus:

Rs 1.6 crore in Fixed Deposits (FD) and Public Provident Fund (PPF).

Rs 30 lakh in mutual funds and stocks.

Rs 50 lakh in Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).

Liabilities: No debts.

Assets: Own house, ensuring no rent or EMI burden.

Family Responsibility:

Daughter has just completed the 10th board exam.

Higher education expenses need to be planned.

Key Considerations Before Retirement
Expected Retirement Age

If you plan to retire early (before 55), corpus sustainability needs careful assessment.

If you work till 60, it will provide a larger financial cushion.

Post-Retirement Expenses

Living expenses, healthcare, travel, and lifestyle costs must be considered.

Inflation will increase future expenses.

Daughter’s Education

Higher education costs are significant.

Corpus should cover both education and retirement without compromise.

Medical Expenses

Health costs increase with age.

A high health insurance cover is essential.

Wealth Growth vs. Safety

A mix of equity and debt investments ensures growth while preserving capital.

Excessive reliance on FDs and PPF may limit long-term wealth accumulation.

Assessing If You Can Retire Comfortably
Current Corpus Size

Rs 2.4 crore (excluding house) is a strong starting point.

But, inflation will reduce its real value over time.

Expected Corpus Growth

Investments in mutual funds and stocks should continue to grow.

PPF and EPF offer stable but lower returns.

Withdrawals Post-Retirement

Sustainable withdrawals should not deplete the corpus too soon.

A balanced investment strategy is required.

Gaps in Planning

Heavy reliance on FDs and PPF may not be ideal.

More equity exposure can ensure inflation-beating returns.

Steps to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan
1. Optimising Investment Strategy
Continue investing in mutual funds with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.

Reduce dependence on FDs for long-term needs.

Equity mutual funds help counter inflation and grow wealth.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns without active management.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offer expert monitoring.

Diversify investments between equity, debt, and fixed-income products.

2. Planning for Daughter’s Education
Higher education costs can be Rs 30-50 lakh in the next 5-7 years.

Separate this goal from your retirement plan.

Increase equity investment to build an education corpus.

Avoid withdrawing from retirement savings for education.

3. Building a Healthcare Safety Net
Health insurance should cover at least Rs 30-50 lakh.

Consider super top-up plans for additional coverage.

Maintain an emergency medical fund to cover non-insured expenses.

Review insurance policies periodically.

4. Creating a Sustainable Withdrawal Plan
Avoid withdrawing a large portion of the corpus in early retirement years.

Keep at least 5 years of expenses in liquid assets.

Equity exposure should reduce gradually as retirement progresses.

Use dividends and interest income before selling assets.

Final Insights
Retirement is possible, but adjustments are needed for long-term security.

Continue investing aggressively for the next few years.

Ensure daughter's education is planned separately.

Review investments and insurance regularly.

Keep flexibility in withdrawal strategy post-retirement.

A structured plan will ensure a financially secure and comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
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My employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions, but I don't fully understand how it works. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of joining such a scheme, and how does it affect my take-home pay and long-term financial planning?
Ans: A salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions allows you to give up a portion of your salary in exchange for increased employer contributions to your pension. It has tax and National Insurance (NI) advantages but also some potential drawbacks.

How Salary Sacrifice for Pension Works
You agree to reduce your gross salary by a chosen amount.

Your employer contributes this amount directly to your pension.

Since your taxable salary is lower, you pay less income tax and NI.

Your employer also saves on NI and may pass on some or all of this saving to your pension.

Advantages
1. Tax and NI Savings
You don’t pay income tax or NI on the sacrificed amount.

Your employer saves on NI (currently 13.8%) and may increase your pension with these savings.

2. Higher Pension Contributions
Since more money goes into your pension, your retirement corpus grows faster.

Compounding over time enhances long-term wealth.

3. Increased Take-Home Pay
Although you sacrifice part of your salary, the NI savings may offset some of the reduction.

Depending on employer policies, your net pay may not drop significantly.

4. Potential Employer Matching
Some employers pass their NI savings into your pension, increasing your total contributions.

Disadvantages
1. Reduced Gross Salary
A lower salary means reduced future pay rises if they are percentage-based.

Life cover, sick pay, and redundancy pay linked to salary may be affected.

2. Lower Borrowing Capacity
Mortgage applications consider salary; a lower reported income might reduce borrowing potential.

3. Impact on State Benefits
If salary drops below certain thresholds, statutory benefits like maternity pay and state pension could be affected.

4. Restricted Access to Pension
The extra pension savings cannot be accessed before retirement (except under specific conditions).

Effect on Take-Home Pay
Your net pay will be slightly lower, but less than the actual amount sacrificed.

The tax and NI savings cushion the impact.

If your employer adds their NI savings, your total retirement savings increase.

Effect on Long-Term Financial Planning
Your pension fund grows faster, improving retirement security.

Short-term disposable income is slightly reduced, so budget planning is important.

Consider how the reduced salary affects other financial goals like buying a house or saving for education.

Should You Opt for It?
If employer NI savings are passed to your pension, it’s highly beneficial.

If you are close to lower tax bands or state benefit thresholds, assess the impact.

If you plan to apply for a mortgage, check how it affects your eligibility.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help assess your personal situation before making a decision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
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Hi Sir , Greetings of the day!! hope you are doing well !! I want to do a savings of 50 lacs in as much less time span as possible because I want to buy a property in Gurgaon. My monthly salary is 1 lac 11k and I am currently investing 10k in mutual fund monthly and 50k in nps yearly. Can you please guide me how can I save 50 lacs and in how much time ?
Ans: Your goal of saving Rs 50 lakh for a property in Gurgaon is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy. Below is a structured approach to help you reach your target in the shortest possible time.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Your monthly salary is Rs 1.11 lakh.

You invest Rs 10,000 per month in mutual funds.

Your annual NPS contribution is Rs 50,000.

You haven't mentioned any liabilities or existing savings. If you have any ongoing EMIs or debts, they should be factored in.

Key Considerations for Achieving Rs 50 Lakh Target
The speed of reaching Rs 50 lakh depends on savings rate and returns.

High savings rate is the most reliable way to accumulate wealth.

Investment returns are uncertain and depend on market conditions.

A balanced approach is necessary to ensure stability and growth.

Increasing Your Savings Rate
Currently, you are investing Rs 10,000 per month.

If you can increase it to Rs 50,000 per month, you will reach Rs 50 lakh faster.

Cutting discretionary expenses will free up more money for investments.

Consider reducing unnecessary spending on dining out, luxury items, and vacations.

Redirect bonuses, incentives, or salary hikes towards savings.

Choosing the Right Investment Instruments
Mutual Funds for Growth
Actively managed equity mutual funds can generate better returns than fixed deposits.

A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds can balance risk and reward.

Mid-cap and small-cap funds have higher growth potential but also higher volatility.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns and lack active risk management.

Debt Investments for Stability
Fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, and PPF provide stability.

These should be used for short-term parking rather than long-term growth.

Debt mutual funds are taxed based on your income tax slab.

Avoid locking too much money in low-return instruments.

Balancing Risk and Return
Investing entirely in equity mutual funds can generate high returns but comes with volatility.

A mix of 80% equity and 20% debt can provide stability.

As your target nears, shift more funds towards safer instruments.

Avoid speculation and high-risk investments like cryptocurrency.

Role of NPS in Your Goal
NPS is good for retirement but not ideal for short-term goals.

Partial withdrawal is allowed only under specific conditions.

Do not rely on NPS for your property purchase.

Managing Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.

Investing in tax-efficient instruments will maximize returns.

Estimating the Timeframe
If you invest Rs 50,000 per month, you can accumulate Rs 50 lakh in about 7-8 years with moderate returns.

If you invest Rs 75,000 per month, you can reach Rs 50 lakh in about 5 years.

The faster you increase your savings, the sooner you will achieve your goal.

Final Insights
Increase your monthly investment to at least Rs 50,000.

Focus on actively managed equity mutual funds.

Keep a small portion in debt for stability.

Avoid unnecessary expenses and invest salary increments.

Do not depend on NPS for this goal.

Monitor and adjust your portfolio as needed.

Stay disciplined and patient to achieve your target.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1092 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1092 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

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

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