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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 25, 2024Hindi
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Best SIP, im planning to invest 3k every month

Ans: Investing Rs 3,000 every month through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a smart and disciplined approach. It helps build wealth over time with manageable, regular contributions. SIPs offer the advantage of rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Benefits of Investing in SIPs
Rupee Cost Averaging
Market Volatility: SIPs invest a fixed amount regularly, averaging out the cost of purchase over time.

Consistent Investment: Regular investments irrespective of market conditions help reduce the impact of market volatility.

Power of Compounding
Growth Over Time: Reinvested earnings generate more earnings, helping your investment grow exponentially over time.

Long-Term Benefits: Starting early and staying invested for the long term maximizes the benefits of compounding.

Types of Mutual Funds for SIPs
Actively Managed Equity Funds
Actively managed equity funds aim to outperform the market. Professional fund managers select stocks based on research and analysis.

Advantages:

Potential for Higher Returns: These funds aim for higher returns compared to index funds.

Professional Management: Fund managers adjust portfolios based on market conditions and opportunities.

Disadvantages:

Higher Fees: Actively managed funds typically have higher management fees.

Market Risk: Returns are subject to market performance and fund manager decisions.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds
Balanced funds invest in both equities and debt instruments. They offer a mix of growth and stability.

Advantages:

Risk Diversification: By investing in both equity and debt, these funds reduce risk.

Stable Returns: Provide relatively stable returns with lower volatility compared to pure equity funds.

Disadvantages:

Moderate Returns: Returns may be lower compared to pure equity funds.

Management Fees: Still subject to management fees, though typically lower than equity funds.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds, treasury bills, and other debt instruments. They are suitable for conservative investors.

Advantages:

Lower Risk: Debt funds are less volatile compared to equity funds.

Regular Income: Suitable for generating regular income with lower risk.

Disadvantages:

Lower Returns: Generally offer lower returns compared to equity funds.

Interest Rate Risk: Returns can be affected by changes in interest rates.

Criteria for Selecting the Best SIP
Fund Performance
Historical Returns: Look at the fund’s historical performance over 3, 5, and 10 years.

Consistency: Choose funds that consistently perform well across different market cycles.

Fund Manager’s Experience
Expertise: Experienced fund managers bring valuable insights and strategies.

Track Record: Check the track record of the fund manager in delivering consistent returns.

Expense Ratio
Lower Costs: Funds with lower expense ratios provide better net returns to investors.

Transparency: Ensure the fund’s expenses are justified by its performance.

Fund Size
Optimal Size: Choose funds with an optimal size; too large or too small can affect performance.

Liquidity: Ensure the fund has enough liquidity to meet redemptions without impacting performance.

Recommended Investment Strategy
Diversified Portfolio
Equity Allocation: Allocate a significant portion to equity funds for growth.

Debt Allocation: Include debt funds for stability and risk management.

Balanced Funds: Consider balanced funds for a mix of growth and stability.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Monitor Performance: Regularly review your SIP investments to ensure they are performing as expected.

Rebalance: Adjust your portfolio periodically to maintain your desired asset allocation.

Conclusion
Investing Rs 3,000 monthly through SIPs is a commendable strategy for building wealth. Focus on actively managed funds for potentially higher returns. Diversify your investments across equity, debt, and balanced funds. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay on track with your financial goals.

Thank you for seeking my guidance. Your commitment to disciplined investing is admirable. Feel free to reach out for further personalized advice.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Feb 08, 2023

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Sir, best SIP to invest in monthly basis having bugest of INR 10 TO 15K.
Ans: I have no idea about your age, future financial goals, your risk profile and your existing investments. So, while giving one suggested solution to you, I’m assuming that you’re young (less than 40 years of age), are open to equity investing, have a long term horizon of at least 7 years or more and would have the nerves to not get unduly perturbed if markets go temporarily down.

Very first point to note is that when you write that you’re investing for 20 years, please do imbibe it into your thinking too that you’re in it for a very long term. Typically, investors change their investing horizon as per the market conditions – if markets remain good, they’re long term players, if markets turn down, they start exiting in panic and become short term players. Please remember that markets will always give great returns only if you ‘spend time in the markets, rather than try timing the market’.

Since you’re just 37 years old, you have a huge age advantage (those younger have even more advantage!) – use it to your benefit. I have no idea about your other investments, your future financial goals and your risk profile (implying how much volatility are you comfortable with in the markets).

So, I’m just giving you a high-equity portfolio which is a long term portfolio but needs to be reviewed and maybe rebalanced every year. I’m also assuming that you have no other funds or equity.
The portfolio that I would suggest is:-
1. Large Cap - 20% of SIP amount - HDFC Index Fund
2. Flexicap – 20% - Parag Parikh Flexicap Fund
3. Midcap – 20% - Kotak Emerging Equity Fund
4. Aggressive Hybrid – 20% - Canara Robeco Equity Hybrid Fund
5. Small Cap – 20% - SBI Small Cap Fund

In the above portfolio, the last, Small Cap category, will be very volatile and you will need to get used to it. If you’re not up to its gyrations, stick to first four with 25% allocation each.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 21, 2024Hindi
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Sir i invest every month 10000 Rs plz suggest which is best sip and any other
Ans: Investing regularly is a commendable habit, and you're doing great dedicating 10,000 Rs every month. As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the importance of choosing the right investment avenue.

Mutual Funds through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) can be a wise choice. They offer diversification, professional management, and the flexibility to invest small amounts regularly. Additionally, they suit investors aiming for long-term wealth creation.

When it comes to SIPs, it's crucial to consider your risk appetite, investment goals, and time horizon. Opting for actively managed funds can be advantageous. Unlike index funds, actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market, thanks to skilled fund managers who actively select investments.

Moreover, investing through a Certified Financial Planner can offer personalized advice and ongoing support. They can assist in selecting suitable funds, monitoring your portfolio, and making necessary adjustments based on market conditions and your changing financial circumstances.

While direct funds may seem appealing due to lower expense ratios, they lack the guidance and expertise provided by financial professionals. Regular funds, accessed through a Mutual Fund Distributor with a CFP credential, offer personalized service and assistance, ensuring your investments align with your financial goals.

Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay committed and patient, especially during market fluctuations. Regular review of your portfolio and making adjustments as needed can help you stay on track towards achieving your financial objectives.

Keep up the excellent work with your monthly investments, and may your financial journey be filled with success and prosperity.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 2024

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Sir which SIP will be best for investment?
Ans: Choosing the best SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) involves evaluating several factors to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Understanding SIP
SIP is a method of investing a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. It offers the benefit of disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging.

Assessing Your Investment Goals
Before selecting an SIP, it's essential to define your investment goals.

Are you saving for retirement, a child's education, or buying a house?

Evaluating Risk Tolerance
Your risk tolerance determines the type of funds you should invest in.

Are you comfortable with high risk for potentially high returns, or do you prefer stability?

Time Horizon
Your investment horizon influences the type of mutual funds you should choose.

A longer time horizon allows for more aggressive investments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are managed by professional fund managers who aim to outperform the market.

Advantages Over Index Funds
Higher Returns: Actively managed funds aim to beat the market index, potentially offering higher returns.

Flexibility: Fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

Diversification: These funds often have a diversified portfolio to mitigate risk.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Limited Flexibility: Index funds strictly track an index, limiting flexibility.

No Outperformance: They aim to match, not outperform, the index.

Market Cap Bias: These funds are heavily weighted towards large-cap stocks, which might not always offer the best returns.

Types of Funds for SIP
Equity Funds
Equity funds invest primarily in stocks. They offer high growth potential and are suitable for long-term investments.

Large Cap Funds
These funds invest in large, well-established companies. They offer stability and moderate growth.

Mid Cap Funds
These funds invest in mid-sized companies. They have higher growth potential but come with increased risk.

Small Cap Funds
These funds focus on smaller companies. They can offer substantial returns but with higher volatility.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They offer stability and regular income.

Short-Term Debt Funds
Suitable for conservative investors seeking stable returns in the short term.

Long-Term Debt Funds
Offer higher returns but with increased interest rate risk.

Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt investments. They offer a balanced approach, providing both growth potential and stability.

Balanced Advantage Funds
These funds dynamically manage the allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions.

Choosing the Right SIP
Factors to Consider
Fund Performance: Look at the fund's historical performance and compare it with benchmarks.

Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios can improve net returns.

Fund Manager’s Track Record: A skilled and experienced fund manager can significantly impact the fund's performance.

Risk-Return Profile: Ensure the fund’s risk profile matches your risk tolerance.

Suggested Categories for SIP
Large Cap Equity Funds: For stability and moderate returns.

Mid Cap Equity Funds: For higher growth potential with moderate risk.

Small Cap Equity Funds: For aggressive growth with higher risk.

Balanced Advantage Funds: For a balanced approach between equity and debt.

Short-Term Debt Funds: For conservative investors seeking stable returns.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Personalized Advice: A CFP provides tailored investment strategies based on your goals and risk profile.

Holistic Planning: They consider your entire financial situation and future needs.

Expert Guidance: Benefit from their market knowledge and experience in managing investments.

Conclusion
Choosing the best SIP depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Consider a mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds, along with hybrid funds, for a balanced and diversified portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
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I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

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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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