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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 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
archana Question by archana on Apr 29, 2025
Money

Sir We bought a flat 4 yr ago with 67 lakhs with loan amount of 50 lakhs, recently we sell gold worth 25 lakhs and clear all personal loans and debts. Now we are planning another flat worth 95 lakhs with loan amount 80 lakhs...so now we have 2 home loans ..can we continue the 65 lakhs flat for rent 20 k or we sell the flat .total salary 1.6 lakhs per month . We have car loan also .

Ans: You have shown good intent by selling gold and clearing your debts.

Still, this new flat purchase needs careful review from all angles.

Let us assess your full situation and suggest a balanced, long-term approach.

This answer looks at every part of your current financial life.

Current Home and Existing Loan
Your current flat was bought for Rs.67 lakhs four years back.

Out of that, you took a loan of Rs.50 lakhs.

The current rental income is around Rs.20,000 per month.

This rent gives about Rs.2.4 lakh per year.

Rental yield is quite low in comparison to your loan EMI.

Real estate often gives rental returns of only 2–3% per year.

But your home loan interest is around 8%–9% yearly.

This gap creates a burden on your cash flow.

Keeping this flat only for rent may not be financially helpful.

Your Salary and Existing Loan Burden
Your total salary is Rs.1.6 lakh per month.

That is good, but needs proper budget management.

You already have one home loan and one car loan.

A second home loan of Rs.80 lakh will be a big load.

Two home loans and one car loan will stretch your EMI ratio.

Your EMI commitment may cross 60% of salary.

This makes day-to-day life stressful and risky.

Banks also limit eligibility if EMIs cross 50–60% of salary.

New Flat Plan – Is It Suitable Now?
You are planning a flat of Rs.95 lakh with Rs.80 lakh loan.

This is a big jump from your earlier flat price.

Loan EMI alone may be around Rs.65,000 to Rs.70,000 per month.

Managing this EMI along with old loan EMI and car EMI is difficult.

Plus, other expenses, bills, and savings will also need cash.

Property tax, maintenance, and interiors will need extra funds.

With your current salary, this may cause heavy strain.

And if job loss or emergency happens, the risk is high.

It is better to delay this second flat unless cash flow improves.

Keeping or Selling Existing Flat – What Is Better?
The rental income of Rs.20,000 is very low against the cost.

EMI, maintenance, and tax on that flat reduce actual returns.

Also, resale value after 4 years may not be very high now.

Selling the flat can help reduce your home loan burden.

You can use the sale amount to reduce new flat loan or invest.

Or, if you cancel new flat purchase, use funds for better financial goals.

Think about whether you need two flats at this stage.

A second flat gives low returns and blocks your liquidity.

Instead, one good home and mutual fund investments give better results.

Alternative to Property – What You Can Do Instead
With your surplus from salary, start investing in mutual funds.

Mutual funds are flexible, tax-efficient, and transparent.

Returns from mutual funds over long term are higher than rent.

You can start SIPs as per your risk level and goal duration.

Equity mutual funds help in wealth building.

Hybrid and debt mutual funds support safe and steady growth.

Please use regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid direct mutual funds. They give no review or correction support.

Direct funds also cause wrong asset mix and poor fund selection.

Gold Sale and Use of Funds – Was It Wise?
You sold gold worth Rs.25 lakh and cleared debts.

That was a good step. You have reduced bad loans smartly.

But don’t use all your assets for property again.

It is important to keep a balance across asset classes.

Use some gold money for liquid funds or emergency corpus.

Use part for mutual fund investments based on future goals.

Avoid repeating same mistake of taking high loan again.

Emergency Reserve and Liquidity Planning
Every family must keep 6–9 months of expenses as emergency fund.

This must be in liquid mutual funds or bank deposits.

If all money is in property, you can't access during emergency.

So, avoid locking all savings into the second flat.

Liquidity is safety. Not having cash causes problems even with assets.

Build an emergency fund of Rs.3–4 lakh minimum.

Car Loan – Should You Clear or Continue?
You also have a car loan now.

This is a depreciating asset. It does not grow in value.

Try to close this loan early if possible.

Paying high interest for car EMI reduces your savings.

Don't upgrade car or take new loan unless income rises.

Family and Future Needs – Are They Covered?
Property alone cannot secure your future.

You need to plan for child’s education, retirement, and emergencies.

Insurance protection is also needed for your family.

Take proper health insurance and term insurance.

Don’t rely only on property as financial backup.

Mutual fund SIPs and debt funds give support for long-term goals.

Important Financial Ratios to Watch
EMI to salary ratio should be under 40%.

Loan to asset value should not cross 60%.

Your current plan crosses both these limits.

Two home loans and a car loan may block your growth.

Keep your fixed obligations flexible and manageable.

What You Can Do Now – Practical Steps
Postpone the second flat purchase for now.

Recheck your actual need and affordability.

Consider selling the first flat if it has poor rental yield.

Reduce loan burden and improve monthly cash flow.

Build strong SIPs and liquid investments.

Don’t lock all assets in property and loans.

Close car loan if funds allow.

Keep emergency cash ready in liquid funds.

Do not buy any more real estate unless income doubles.

Finally
You are financially aware and want to grow smartly.

But growth should not come with pressure and debt risk.

A second flat may look attractive but may block your liquidity.

Wealth creation should focus on balance, not just ownership.

Mutual funds give better flexibility and higher long-term returns.

Keep reviewing your goals with a Certified Financial Planner.

Stay invested, stay liquid, and stay peaceful.

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.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 26, 2024Hindi
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Seeking financial advice. I'm 32 years old with Two kids of 6 yrs and 1 yr old. I have home loan of 45 lakhs and have around 40L of savings(including some ULIP and shares) in hand. I have thoughts of using this 40L as down payment for a second apartment and get 90L additional loan(around 1.5 cr property). But i have second thoughts of using this savings (40L+) to close the existing loan. What is the wise choice. My and wife are earning 3.4L/month takehome. We stay in rented house for 45k/month for different reasons and the home loan flat is rented out for 25k(income added in above mentioned earnings). If I close my loan, i have to stay in rented house for 3 more years to save this 40L to purchase a new flat 3 years later.
Ans: Your decision involves balancing between debt management and investment. With a home loan of Rs. 45 lakhs, Rs. 40 lakh savings in hand, and plans to buy a new flat, it’s important to assess all angles. Your combined monthly income is strong at Rs. 3.4 lakh, and your first property generates rental income of Rs. 25,000. Let's evaluate your options and find a financially sound solution.

Should You Close the Existing Loan?
Benefits of Loan Repayment:

Immediate debt reduction removes a financial burden and brings peace of mind.
Savings on interest payments can result in long-term financial gains.
With higher disposable income, you can accelerate savings for the next property.
Opportunity Cost of Closing the Loan:

Using Rs. 40 lakh for repayment means locking liquidity into a property asset.
You lose out on potential returns from other investment avenues like mutual funds or equities.
Without the loan, you still have to pay Rs. 45,000 monthly rent, leaving less cash to build wealth over three years.
Buying a Second Property with Rs. 40 Lakh Down Payment
Advantages of Property Investment:

Real estate provides capital appreciation over time and generates rental income.
You can diversify your portfolio by acquiring another tangible asset.
Tax benefits on the second home loan could further improve cash flows.
Challenges of a Second Home Loan:

A 90-lakh loan adds to your debt burden, impacting financial flexibility.
High EMIs can strain cash flow despite your current income.
If property prices remain stagnant, your investment may underperform.
Evaluating the Rent vs. Ownership Trade-Off
You currently pay Rs. 45,000 in rent but earn Rs. 25,000 from the rented flat. This results in a net rent outflow of Rs. 20,000.
If you close the loan and continue renting for three more years, you will lose liquidity now but gain debt-free ownership.
On the other hand, buying a second property may seem attractive, but it involves high financial commitment through EMIs and potential market risks.
Smart Strategies for Optimal Financial Decisions
Avoid Locking All Savings into Real Estate:

Instead of exhausting your entire Rs. 40 lakh savings, keep a portion for emergencies and investments.
Split Your Savings Purposefully:

Use half your savings (Rs. 20 lakh) to partially prepay the existing loan. This will reduce EMIs and improve cash flow.
Invest the other half in mutual funds and equities for higher returns over three years. This ensures liquidity if a property opportunity arises.
Delay Second Property Purchase by 2–3 Years:

Focus on closing or reducing your current home loan in stages.
With improved cash flow, build a corpus for a bigger down payment later, reducing loan dependency.
Benefits of Partial Prepayment and Investments
Prepaying Rs. 20 lakh reduces interest liability and EMIs. The remaining loan can be cleared faster with future savings.
Investing Rs. 20 lakh provides growth potential, ensuring you have adequate liquidity when needed.
Keeping some funds in diversified mutual funds ensures your wealth grows steadily over the next few years.
Final Thoughts
Closing your home loan with Rs. 40 lakh is tempting, but it reduces your financial flexibility. Taking on a second large loan can also stress your finances, especially with your family’s needs in mind. A balanced strategy of partial prepayment and investment allows you to reduce debt while keeping liquidity for future opportunities.

This approach provides stability, flexibility, and growth, ensuring you are well-prepared to buy a second property when the time is right.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 18, 2024

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Hi, I am having Outstanding Home loan amount for my first purchased flat as 9 Lacs.(EMI 21500) Recently I constructed bungalow by taking Home loan for land and constructions as 25 Lacs and 45 Lacs respectively (EMI 23000 and 32000). Thus my current outstanding for both the properties is 79 Lacs. I rented my first flat and living in new constructed bungalow. The rent amount is equal to flat EMI. Is it advisable to sell the flat (Selling price 50 Lacs) to clear the debt and continue the Outstanding loan of 29 Lacs (79Lacs - 50 Lacs) ? Or continue the existing loans and clear the debt early by prepayment's?
Ans: Your current debt of Rs 79 lakh is significant. Selling your first flat could reduce your loan burden by Rs 50 lakh, leaving Rs 29 lakh outstanding. However, decisions should align with long-term goals, affordability, and potential returns.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Option 1: Sell the Flat and Reduce Debt
Advantages:
Lower Debt Burden: Reduces loans to Rs 29 lakh, significantly decreasing EMI obligations.
Better Cash Flow: Frees up monthly cash for other financial goals or investments.
Reduced Interest Cost: Paying off Rs 50 lakh immediately lowers overall interest payments, saving a substantial amount.
Disadvantages:
Loss of Asset Growth Potential: Real estate prices may appreciate over the years. Selling might mean losing future capital appreciation.
No Rental Income: Selling eliminates the passive income that currently covers your flat’s EMI.
Option 2: Retain Both Properties and Focus on Prepayments
Advantages:
Asset Appreciation: You retain ownership of both properties, benefiting from potential price appreciation over time.
Rental Income: Ongoing rental income can contribute to paying off the flat’s EMI, keeping cash flow stable.
Disadvantages:
High Debt Pressure: Managing a Rs 79 lakh loan requires disciplined budgeting and significant prepayments to reduce interest costs.
Interest Accumulation: Continuing with high debt over the long term increases total interest paid.
Recommended Approach
Selling the Flat May Be Better If:
You prioritise reducing stress from high debt.
You don’t foresee substantial appreciation in the flat’s value.
Clearing a large portion of your debt aligns with your financial comfort.
Retaining the Flat May Be Better If:
You can afford current EMIs and have surplus funds for regular prepayments.
The flat is in a location with strong appreciation potential.
Passive rental income is a key component of your financial plan.
Practical Advice
Evaluate Loan Interest Rates: Check the interest rates for both loans. Prioritise prepaying the one with the highest rate.
Review Budget: Assess whether prepayments are feasible without compromising financial security.
Consider Property Market Trends: Evaluate the appreciation potential of your flat before deciding to sell.
Seek Professional Guidance: A Certified Financial Planner can assess your risk tolerance, long-term goals, and cash flow needs to offer tailored advice.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 21, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 38 years old , I have my own house, plus 2 flats worth Rs.2 crores. I have 15 lacs in stock and mutual funds. I have ongoing loan of 35 lakhs for home loan. Now i am planning to buy one more flats in my society which is bigger then I m living now and want to shift there. I just want to ask should i buy it to take one more home loan or sell off one flat and take this bigger one. I have no issue for emi as I have ongoing rent of rs 60 to 70k. I have some self saving apporox. 40 lakh and the flat is 1 crores so I will be needed approx 60 as home loan. Pls suggest I m little confused
Ans: You are 38 years old.
You own a house plus two flats worth Rs. 2 crores.
You have Rs. 15 lakhs in stocks and mutual funds.
You have Rs. 40 lakhs as self-savings.
You are paying EMI for a Rs. 35 lakh home loan.
You are getting rental income of Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000 monthly.
You are planning to buy a bigger flat worth Rs. 1 crore.
You are confused between taking a new home loan or selling one flat.
Let us now guide you in a detailed 360-degree manner.

First, Understand Your Current Asset Position
You already own 3 properties including your current home.

Their combined value is around Rs. 2 crores.

You have Rs. 15 lakhs in financial investments.

You have Rs. 40 lakhs in self-savings.

You have an ongoing Rs. 35 lakh home loan.

Your monthly rental income is strong.

Your age is just 38, you have time ahead.

This is a solid financial base.
But more real estate may not be a wise decision now.

Do Not Keep Increasing Real Estate Exposure
You already have 3 properties.

Buying one more adds to concentration risk.

Real estate is not a liquid asset.

It gives no monthly income unless rented.

Maintenance cost, tax, and legal issues can also increase.

Selling it in emergencies is difficult and slow.

Better to reduce real estate, and build financial assets.

Why You Want a Bigger Flat – Emotional or Financial?
Bigger house is good if family is growing.

But it should not hurt your future goals.

More house means more expenses.

You need more furniture, interiors, maintenance.

These hidden costs may hurt long-term savings.

You must balance comfort and financial health.

Option 1: Buy Bigger Flat Using Rs. 60L Loan
Pros:

You keep all 3 flats.

Your rental income continues.

You move to a more spacious home.

Cons:

One more loan increases your EMI burden.

Total loan becomes Rs. 95 lakhs (35 + 60).

You already have Rs. 70,000 EMI likely.

Additional Rs. 55,000–60,000 EMI will hurt liquidity.

Two loans will reduce your monthly surplus.

You already have Rs. 40 lakhs with you.

You will have to use it all to fund new flat.

Your emergency savings and financial investments will be zero.

That is not safe in the long term.

No financial cushion will remain for future.

Option 2: Sell One Flat and Upgrade
Pros:

You unlock money from an illiquid asset.

You reduce overall real estate exposure.

You reduce EMI stress by taking a smaller loan.

You may only need Rs. 20–25 lakh loan.

This EMI will be just Rs. 15,000–20,000.

You can keep your Rs. 40 lakhs savings.

You can reinvest Rs. 40 lakhs wisely in mutual funds.

This can build your child’s education and retirement corpus.

You also avoid high EMI stress.

Cons:

You lose one rental income source.

Property appreciation may stop on that unit.

Some emotional attachment to property may exist.

Ideal Recommendation – Sell One Flat, Shift to Bigger Flat
Don’t hold 3 flats just for feeling rich.

Selling one flat reduces EMI and risk.

It also improves cash flow for future investing.

Use your Rs. 40 lakhs partly for new flat.

Take small loan of Rs. 20–25 lakhs only.

This keeps EMI light.

You keep financial freedom and comfort.

Avoid Overexposing Yourself to Home Loans
You are already repaying one loan.

Don't take one more large loan.

It may be okay now, but future is uncertain.

You may face income drop, job change, or medical emergency.

EMI pressure can impact your peace of mind.

Also reduces your ability to invest monthly.

Big loans steal your ability to grow wealth.

Use Surplus to Build Mutual Fund Portfolio
Rs. 40 lakhs is a powerful amount.

Don’t exhaust it in property.

Keep Rs. 10 lakhs as emergency fund.

Invest Rs. 30 lakhs in mutual funds through STP.

Use mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds.

SIP monthly from STP over 18–24 months.

Use different fund categories for different goals.

Suggested Mutual Fund Strategy
For Retirement Goal:

Invest in Flexi Cap and Aggressive Hybrid Funds.

These give steady compounding over long term.

For Child Education (if applicable):

Use Flexi Cap and Large & Mid Cap Funds.

Also use Balanced Advantage for safer allocation.

For General Wealth Creation:

Use Aggressive Hybrid and Mid Cap Funds.

Keep STP in place from arbitrage or ultra-short funds.

Why Not to Use Direct Mutual Funds
Direct plans look cheaper.

But no one guides you when market falls.

You may stop SIP or withdraw at wrong time.

Regular plans via MFD with CFP offer safety.

They do review, rebalancing, and hand-holding.

Their service helps avoid costly mistakes.

Pay little more, but gain much more over years.

Why Not to Choose Index Funds
Index funds just follow index blindly.

No human decision-making.

No protection during crashes.

No smart exit or stock-level analysis.

Index funds are not meant for goal-based investing.

Active funds with good manager do better in India.

If You Hold LIC, ULIP or Endowment Plans
Check if any of your Rs. 15 lakhs is in such products.

Most of these give only 4%–5% returns.

They lock your money for years.

If no lock-in, surrender them.

Shift to mutual funds with proper guidance.

Take pure term insurance separately if needed.

Medical Cover is Not Enough
You have Rs. 10 lakhs health insurance.

Add top-up plan of Rs. 25–30 lakhs more.

Medical inflation is rising fast.

Hospital costs can cross Rs. 10 lakhs easily.

Better to be prepared now itself.

Keep Long-Term Investing Discipline
Do not stop SIPs during market correction.

Use goal-wise mutual fund tracking.

Increase SIP every year by 10% minimum.

Review your portfolio yearly.

Do not chase latest fund or trend.

Use CFP and MFD for regular help.

Finally
You already have large exposure in real estate.

Don’t increase it more.

Selling one flat and buying bigger one is wise.

Keep loan low and liquidity high.

Use remaining savings for wealth creation.

Don’t invest randomly in stock market.

Mutual funds are better with right guidance.

Don’t go for direct or index mutual funds.

Use regular plans through MFD with CFP support.

Stay on track with financial goals.

Don’t build more property, build more financial freedom.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2025

Money
My age is 51 years. I have a 22 years old flat in Pune. Currently receiving 30000 Rs rent. I am leaving in a another flat. There is no any ongoing loan. Shall I sale the flat as I have an offer of Rs 1.2 cr. and invest that amount elsewhere.
Ans: Thinking ahead shows financial maturity.

Wanting to optimise property value is a smart move.

No loan burden gives more flexibility and freedom.

» Rental income vs. property value mismatch

Current rent is only Rs. 30,000 per month.

That gives Rs. 3.6 lakhs yearly income.

Offer value of Rs. 1.2 crore is quite attractive.

Rental yield is below 3% annually.

This is much lower than other asset classes.

» Age of property also matters

Flat is 22 years old.

Older flats depreciate in value faster.

Future maintenance cost may increase.

Finding new tenants may become difficult.

Resale value after few more years may drop.

» Real estate has poor liquidity

Selling may take long in future.

Legal or tenant issues can delay liquidation.

Maintenance and society costs will also rise.

» Risk of being emotionally attached

If flat has no sentimental value, consider selling.

Emotional attachment may delay practical decisions.

» Taxation aspects to consider

Sale of flat will attract capital gains tax.

If held for more than 2 years, it is long-term gain.

LTCG is taxed at 20% with indexation benefit.

You may reduce tax using reinvestment options under Sec 54.

But investing again in property is not suggested here.

Instead, reinvest in financial assets post-tax.

» Don’t reinvest into another real estate

Real estate is illiquid and hard to manage.

Also not efficient for long-term wealth creation.

Avoid this as your age crosses 50.

Regular cashflow becomes more important than asset value.

» Reinvest smartly in mutual funds and fixed income

Reinvesting in well-diversified mutual funds is better.

Actively managed funds offer growth with expert control.

Avoid index funds and ETFs due to volatility and poor downside control.

Also avoid direct funds due to lack of guidance.

Use regular plans through MFDs with CFP credential.

This gives access to professional advice and portfolio reviews.

» Combine with debt funds and safe instruments

Don’t invest entire amount in equity MFs.

Use 40% in hybrid or debt-oriented options.

This gives stable income with moderate growth.

Diversify across risk levels and time horizons.

Keep part in low-risk funds for income generation.

» SIP and SWP strategy

Setup Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from mutual funds.

You can generate monthly income as needed.

Well-structured portfolio can give Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000 monthly.

That is much better than your current Rs. 30,000 rent.

And it keeps growing each year.

» Invest balance lump sum for long-term growth

You may not need the entire capital now.

Let the rest stay invested for next 10+ years.

Use multi-cap and flexi-cap funds.

These help in long-term compounding.

» Insurance and medical care planning

At 51, medical cover is essential.

Use some part of proceeds to buy good family floater.

Also get critical illness cover if not done already.

Don’t link insurance with investment.

ULIPs or endowment policies are inefficient.

If you have any of those, surrender them and reinvest in mutual funds.

» Emergency reserve is still required

Keep Rs. 5 to 7 lakhs aside in liquid fund.

This should cover 6 to 9 months of expenses.

Don’t depend on fund withdrawal for emergencies.

» Keep rental flat only if emotionally attached

If you strongly value owning physical asset, you may keep.

But only from financial view, selling makes better sense.

Your return doubles through MF and structured investment.

» Avoid annuity or pension products

These lock your money and give low returns.

You lose flexibility and inflation protection.

Instead use MF-based SWP to get higher returns.

» Final insights

Selling the flat is a smart financial choice.

Rental yield is too low for current times.

Property age and future cost reduce attractiveness.

Reinvest in mutual funds and debt instruments wisely.

Use SWP to generate monthly income from capital.

Avoid ULIPs, annuities, and direct funds.

Use guidance from CFP and invest via regular plans.

Your money can work harder than the flat.

And still give you better income, growth and flexibility.

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

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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