Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

Should I invest my 4 lakhs in mutual funds for better returns?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7981 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 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
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money

Hi, I have a cash of 4L which I want to invest. I don't want to invest in FD as the return is very minimal. Are there any safe options in mutual fund which can give me better return over the years.

Ans: You have Rs 4 lakh available for investment. You want better returns than FD with low risk.

Understanding Your Investment Goals
You need to decide the time frame of investment.
If you need the money within 1-3 years, low-risk options are best.
If you can invest for 5+ years, better growth options are available.
Safer Mutual Fund Options
Debt Mutual Funds offer stable returns with lower risk.
Hybrid Funds give a balance of equity and debt.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) can be an option if you invest in parts.
Allocation Strategy
Invest Rs 2 lakh in a low-risk debt fund for stability.
Invest Rs 2 lakh in a balanced hybrid fund for better growth.
Avoid index funds and ETFs as they lack active management.
Final Insights
Your investment choice should match your risk level and time horizon.
Stay invested for the long term to see better returns.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner for personalised planning.
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

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7981 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 24, 2024

Listen
Money
Sir, I am 78 yrs. I have my present investments in FD about 60 lacs fetching around 8% p.m. I need atleast 10- 12 % return to match my budget. What or which mutual fund and scheme , I need to pursue . Pls advise me , I will be thankful.
Ans: At 78, ensuring your investments provide a stable income is crucial. While FDs offer safety, they might not always provide the returns you desire, especially considering inflation and the need for higher returns to match your budgetary needs.

Considering your age and need for higher returns, you might want to consider Debt Mutual Funds or Balanced Advantage Funds. Debt Mutual Funds predominantly invest in fixed-income securities and can offer better returns than FDs with a moderate risk profile. On the other hand, Balanced Advantage Funds dynamically manage equity-debt mix based on market conditions, aiming for consistent returns.

However, Mutual Funds, even debt funds, come with some risk. They are subject to market fluctuations, and while they aim to provide better returns than FDs, they might not always guarantee fixed returns.

Given your situation, consulting with a Certified Financial Planner would be highly beneficial. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial needs, and recommend a suitable investment strategy tailored to your requirements.

Remember, while aiming for higher returns, it's also essential to maintain a balance between risk and returns, ensuring your investments align with your financial goals and peace of mind in retirement.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7981 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello , I am in stock market since last 2 years and doing as primary sources of income. After doing very hard work I could only achieve 17% return per year in 2 years. However if I took more risk than could achieve more return but capital sefty is my priority. On other end many small cap and mid cap fund gave 50% per year means 100% return in last 2 years. So I'm highly doubting my skill and want to shift to 1 Mutual fund like small and mid cap 2 Debt fund with 8-10% return 3 FD under my parents account for 8-10% risk free returns , I'm preferring FD more as it's peace full investment and very safe compared to equity markets. Because MF can't give consistent returns and may dip 20-30% in covid like situation Will still invest 20% in equity or MF , current capital 50 L living with family owned house So please suggest what is good or any other good investments suggetion you have.. Thanks in advance
Ans: You've been in the stock market for 2 years. You achieved a 17% return per year. That's impressive, given market volatility. However, you seek capital safety.

Small and mid-cap funds have given 50% returns recently. It’s natural to doubt your skills when comparing. Let’s explore your options.

Investment Options and Analysis
1. Mutual Funds: Small and Mid-Cap Funds

These funds can offer high returns.

However, they come with high risk.

Market volatility can cause significant losses.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Lack of active management.

May not outperform the market.

Better to opt for actively managed funds.

2. Debt Funds with 8-10% Returns

Debt funds provide stability and regular income.

They are less volatile compared to equity.

Suitable for risk-averse investors.

3. Fixed Deposits (FD) in Parents’ Accounts

FDs are very safe.

They offer guaranteed returns.

Returns might not beat inflation.

4. Direct Funds vs Regular Funds

Direct funds have lower costs.

But they lack professional management.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) are better.

CFPs provide expertise and regular reviews.

Suggested Investment Plan
1. Maintain a Balanced Portfolio

Continue with 20% in equity or mutual funds.

Equity provides growth potential.

Choose actively managed funds for better returns.

2. Allocate to Debt Funds

Invest a significant portion in debt funds.

They offer stability and moderate returns.

Ideal for your capital safety goal.

3. Use Fixed Deposits Wisely

FDs are good for risk-free returns.

Keep a portion in FDs for peace of mind.

Consider splitting FDs for liquidity.

Actionable Steps
1. Diversify Investments

Mix equity, debt, and FDs.

This balances risk and returns.

2. Increase Financial Knowledge

Learn more about market trends.

Understanding helps in better decision-making.

3. Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

A CFP can guide you effectively.

They offer tailored advice.

4. Regular Reviews

Review your portfolio every six months.

Adjust based on performance and goals.

Final Insights
Your dedication to stock trading is commendable. Safety of capital is crucial. Balancing your portfolio with mutual funds, debt funds, and FDs is wise. Actively managed funds can outperform index funds. Consulting a CFP can provide expert guidance.

Investing in FDs under your parents’ accounts is a safe bet. Debt funds provide stability. Continue a small portion in equity for growth. Regular reviews and adjustments are essential for long-term success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1030 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Feb 17, 2025

Listen
Money
Hello sir, I am 33years old and like to have a stable life with a good retirement corpus along with children education. I have 2 sons both are of 1 and 3years old respectively and my wife is a housewife. I am having FD of 16L, 10L in gold, bought a flat paying housing loan EMI of 25K, having term insurance for 1cr and health insurance for 4L. I am making investments in mutual funds SIP of 30k since last 1 year. Hdfc dividend yeild fund 1000 Icici bluechip fund 8000 Quant small cap fund 1000 Canara robecco small cap fund 1000 Uti nifty index fund 5000 Icici balanced advantage fund 5000 Jm flexicap fund 2000 Quant elss fund 5000 Parag pareekh flexicap fund 2000 Lumsum Investments Sbi healthcare fund 20K Quant infrastruture fund 10k Sbi magnum gilt fund 20k Plz advice....am i really doing good with these investments or shall i replan my investments....
Ans: Hello;

Having 12 funds(9 sip+3 lumpsum) in portfolio is not required.

You need to just 4 funds for your sip of 30 K(divided equally):
1. Flexicap fund
2. Large and midcap fund
3. Balanced advantage fund
4. Multi asset allocation fund

You may consider exiting the sectoral, thematic and debt fund owned by you and redeploy it in your regular funds.

This ensures equity(large cap oriented)is predominant asset class in your portfolio but it also has exposure to debt and gold for balance and risk mitigation.

Also keep a target to step up sip amount every year by 7-10% atleast.

This will go towards higher education provision for your kids. (~1.85 Cr in 15 years considering 7% annual top-up and 10% modest returns)

For your retirement planning you may consider NPS and start with a decent amount(~30 K pm) as regular investment since time is on your side(27 years to hit 60 age).[3.45 Cr in 27 years without any step up consideration. 8% returns assumed].

Consider buying home loan insurance and super top-up health cover.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x