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Dev Ashish  | Answer  |Ask -

MF Expert, Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 21, 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
Rahul Question by Rahul on Oct 21, 2023Hindi
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Sir I change my portfolio ,now I have parag Parikh flexicap, Sbi Mid cap & Axis Small cap fund each with 5000 rs total 15000 rs per month sip for 25 year's and 10 percent step up every year, I want 5 crores for my retirement, is this portfolio good..?🔥

Ans: Your plan seems to be reasonable to achieve your target of Rs 5 Cr in 25 year's time. But given that the total allocation of mid-small-caps (i.e. non-large-caps) will be more than 50% in this portfolio, it must be understood that this is a portfolio suitable for a sufficiently high-risk appetite. If this is in line with what your understanding is then it is fine, else, consider increasing allocation to largecaps as well.

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  |8617 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8617 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Sir i have Parag Parikh Flexicap, Sbi Mid cap & Axis Small cap fund each with 5k total 15k per month sip for 25 year's and 10 percent step up every year I want 10 crores for my retirement, is this portfolio Good..? I am 33 year's old ????
Ans: It is great that you have a well-structured SIP plan in place for your retirement. Starting early gives you a significant advantage, as your investments will benefit from compounding over time. Your goal of accumulating Rs 10 crores by retirement at 33 years of age is both ambitious and achievable with the right strategy.

However, let us take a 360-degree view of your portfolio and evaluate it across multiple parameters.

1. Diversification of Portfolio
You have invested in Flexi-cap, Mid-cap, and Small-cap funds. This diversification across different market capitalizations is smart because:

Flexi-cap funds invest across all types of companies, ensuring flexibility in capturing growth from various sectors.

Mid-cap funds focus on companies that have significant growth potential, though they may carry higher volatility.

Small-cap funds are riskier but can yield high returns over a long horizon.

However, your portfolio seems tilted toward higher-risk categories (mid-cap and small-cap). Although it increases potential returns, the volatility could cause significant short-term fluctuations. You may want to ensure some allocation in large-cap funds, which offer stability. Large-cap funds perform well in market downturns, helping cushion your portfolio's overall risk.

Insight: Adding a large-cap component or hybrid funds could bring more balance and reduce volatility in market downturns.

2. SIP Step-Up Strategy
Your decision to step up SIP contributions by 10% each year is a solid plan to combat inflation and meet long-term goals. Stepping up ensures that you keep increasing investments as your income grows, which will be essential in reaching your Rs 10 crore target.

Insight: Continue increasing your SIPs consistently. Ensure that your step-up rate matches your income growth to keep pace with rising expenses.

3. Regular vs Direct Funds
You have mentioned your investments but not the type of funds—whether they are direct or regular. It is worth noting that direct funds come with lower expense ratios but require active monitoring.

If you are going through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), it is better to opt for regular funds. A CFP can guide you based on market conditions and financial goals. They help optimize your returns while ensuring disciplined investing.

Insight: Direct funds may seem attractive with lower fees, but without professional advice, you could miss out on timely rebalancing. Regular funds, invested through a trusted CFP, ensure more personalized management of your portfolio.

4. Assessing 25-Year Horizon for Rs 10 Crores
Your portfolio's return will depend on the market performance over the long term, and the funds you have selected generally aim for higher growth. Historically, equity mutual funds, particularly small-cap and mid-cap funds, have offered high returns but with more volatility. While 10% step-up and 25 years of disciplined investing create strong prospects for achieving Rs 10 crores, you will need to:

Monitor performance periodically: Your funds need periodic rebalancing to align with market conditions. If any underperform, you may need to switch to better-performing funds.

Account for taxation: The Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax on mutual funds is an important factor to consider. For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%, while Short Term Capital Gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. As your portfolio grows, the tax liability will also increase.

Insight: Be aware of tax impacts on your withdrawals closer to retirement, and consider switching funds if needed to ensure optimal returns.

5. Consideration of Market Conditions
The performance of mid-cap and small-cap funds is heavily reliant on market conditions. In bull markets, these funds tend to outperform, while in bear markets, they can drop significantly.

Equity market volatility: Over 25 years, you will likely see both significant market booms and corrections. Having a strategy in place to weather market downturns is crucial.

Focus on consistent investing: Avoid timing the market or making impulsive changes during market corrections. Continue your SIPs during both bullish and bearish phases, as this will average out the buying price of your units.

Insight: Consider market downturns as opportunities to accumulate more units at lower prices through SIPs. Resist panic selling during corrections.

6. Flexibility and Adjustments Over Time
You have 25 years until retirement, which is a long horizon. In that time, your financial situation, risk tolerance, and market conditions will change. It is essential to:

Review and rebalance annually: At least once a year, review your portfolio with your CFP to ensure it aligns with your goals and adjust based on performance.

Reallocate closer to retirement: As you approach retirement, move some of your investments into safer assets (like large-cap funds or hybrid funds) to lock in the gains you have made and protect against volatility in the final years.

Insight: Flexibility in your financial plan is key. Revisit and adjust your portfolio regularly to ensure it continues to meet your long-term objectives.

7. Inflation Impact on Retirement Corpus
While Rs 10 crore seems like a large amount today, inflation will reduce its purchasing power by the time you retire. The expenses that Rs 10 crore can cover today will be far less 25 years later. Keep this in mind as you plan your target corpus.

Retirement income needs: You should calculate your future monthly expenses, keeping inflation in mind. If your goal is Rs 10 crore, assess whether that corpus will be enough to generate the monthly income you need in retirement.

Plan for inflation protection: As you age, inflation will continue to impact your purchasing power. Ensure part of your corpus is invested in assets that beat inflation.

Insight: Focus on inflation-adjusted returns rather than absolute numbers. Consider increasing your retirement target if inflation erodes purchasing power significantly.

8. Long-Term Wealth Creation Strategy
Building a Rs 10 crore corpus requires discipline, consistency, and strategic investing. A few additional points to consider:

Diversify across assets: Although equity mutual funds offer growth, you should ensure you have a broader asset mix to reduce risks.

Use goal-based investing: Allocate specific funds for retirement and avoid mixing it with other financial goals.

Emergency fund: Always maintain an emergency fund with 6-12 months' worth of expenses. This will ensure you do not have to break your SIPs in case of emergencies.

Insight: Stick to long-term wealth creation by being consistent with your SIPs, managing risks, and ensuring a clear focus on your retirement goals.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-thought-out, with a strong SIP strategy that can lead to substantial wealth creation over 25 years. With regular reviews, a focus on diversification, and disciplined investing, you are on track to achieve your Rs 10 crore retirement corpus.

However, consider adding a large-cap component for stability, and review your risk tolerance as you move closer to retirement. Keep in mind the impact of inflation, taxation, and the need for flexibility in your portfolio.

Stay committed to your SIPs, but also ensure you are periodically revisiting your strategy with the help of a Certified Financial Planner to stay aligned with your long-term objectives.

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

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8617 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 31, 2025
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Sir, I am 57 years old and working in a private company with salary of Rs.81,000/month. I have purchased three Max life life gain-20 policy insurances each with Rs. 50000 premiums for 6 years pay (Total Rs.9 Lakhs) (2012-2018). Purchased policy of one-time lumpsum LIC Jeevan shanti pension plan for Rs.10 Lakhs and the 1st annuity payment of Rs. 10,054/month starts from year 2029. Also invested Rs. 8 Lakhs in Post office pension plan of 5 years which I am continuing it every 5 years where i get nearly Rs.5000/month. I have one more Max life guaranteed monthly income plan of 6 pay premium of 1,15,458/year which is completed in 2018 and started getting pension for first five years Rs.5000/month and then from 6th year getting Rs.9400/month pension. It will end in 2029. Now I have purchased in HDFC Guaranteed Pension Plan for Rs. 10 Lakhs for 5 five years with premium of Rs.2 Lakhs per year where I have paid 1st premium in 2024. This will give annuity of Rs. 94,599/year i.e, Rs.7883/month after 6 years (year 2029 onwards). I have FDs of Rs. 21 Lakhs which I am renewing it every year which I cannot touch as it is meant for my 2 children. My monthly expenditure is Rs.35,000 since I am staying small city. Please suggest me how can I manage to get a monthly pension of Rs. 40,000 when I quit the job at the age 61 (year 2029). Thank you
Ans: You have made many thoughtful financial decisions. Let us now work together to align your investments to ensure a regular income of Rs. 40,000 per month from age 61 (year 2029).

Here is a 360-degree detailed plan structured under clear sub-headings, as per your request.

 
1. Understanding Your Current Situation

Your age is 57. You have 4 more working years.

 

Your current income is Rs. 81,000 per month.

 

Your monthly expenses are Rs. 35,000. You are financially disciplined.

 

You already have pension sources planned post-2029.

 

You do not want to touch your Rs. 21 lakh FD corpus. It is for your children.

 

Your goal is to generate Rs. 40,000/month from age 61. You seek certainty and consistency.

 

You have invested in both insurance and pension products. Most are non-market linked.

 
2. Summary of Pension Flows from 2029

Let’s break down what income you are expected to receive starting 2029:

 

LIC annuity: Rs. 10,054 per month

 

Post Office pension: Rs. 5,000 per month (if continued)

 

Max Life Guaranteed Monthly Income Plan: Rs. 9,400 per month (till 2029, so not helpful after)

 

HDFC Pension Plan: Rs. 7,883 per month

 

Total confirmed pension starting 2029: Rs. 22,937 per month

 

Gap to reach Rs. 40,000 per month: Rs. 17,000 approx.

 
So, we need to plan how to fill this Rs. 17,000 shortfall.

 
3. Insurance Policies Review

You have 3 traditional Max Life Life Gain-20 plans. Total premium: Rs. 9 lakhs.

 

These are low return, low flexibility products.

 

They are mostly insurance-cum-investment products.

 

Such plans yield 4% to 5% returns over long term. Not ideal for income generation.

 
Suggestion: You have already completed all premiums. It is not advisable to surrender them now. You can wait for maturity. Then, reinvest maturity amount in mutual funds for monthly income.

 
4. Gaps in Income from 2029

Let us now build strategy to generate extra Rs. 17,000 per month post 2029.

 

You have 4 more years before retirement. These are crucial for wealth building.

 

Let us identify available surplus each month. Your income is Rs. 81,000. Expenses are Rs. 35,000.

 

That gives you Rs. 46,000 monthly surplus.

 

From this, set aside some amount for emergency fund and health cover.

 

You can still invest Rs. 30,000 per month comfortably.

 

This amount can be channelised into high-growth investments.

 
5. Investment Strategy Before Retirement

The focus is to build an income-generating portfolio.

 

Allocate Rs. 30,000 per month into equity mutual funds.

 

Prefer actively managed mutual funds. Avoid index funds. Index funds are average performers.

 

Actively managed funds give flexibility and can outperform index. Especially with expert guidance.

 

Invest through regular plans with support of a Mutual Fund Distributor who is also a Certified Financial Planner.

 

Regular plans offer ongoing tracking and guidance. Direct funds lack personalised service.

 

At this age, you need guidance more than saving few rupees on commissions.

 

Use combination of Large Cap, Flexi Cap and Balanced Advantage Funds.

 

These funds suit your risk profile and retirement timeline.

 

Continue SIPs till 2029. Build corpus.

 

From 2029, use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) for monthly income.

 

This can generate the extra Rs. 17,000 you need.

 
6. SWP Strategy for Post-Retirement Income

SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) is ideal for retirement income.

 

You can redeem small fixed amounts monthly.

 

Your money remains invested and continues to grow.

 

This provides regular income + capital appreciation.

 

SWP is more tax-efficient than interest income.

 

With mutual fund taxation, long-term capital gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakh is tax-free.

 

Above this limit, taxed at only 12.5%.

 

Plan withdrawals in such a way to remain tax-efficient.

 

This gives much better returns than traditional pension plans.

 
7. FDs for Children – Do Not Touch

You have Rs. 21 lakhs in FDs for children. This is a wise allocation.

 

Do not disturb this amount.

 

Just keep renewing annually.

 

If needed, reinvest maturity into debt mutual funds for better returns.

 

But ensure the capital remains safe.

 
8. Other Points to Consider

Review health insurance. Ensure Rs. 10 lakh individual health cover.

 

Also have Rs. 25 lakh family floater cover if dependents exist.

 

Medical costs rise faster than inflation. Health cover is crucial.

 

Keep emergency fund of Rs. 2 lakhs in savings account or liquid funds.

 

Avoid new insurance policies. Focus on wealth creation, not insurance.

 

Avoid annuity products. They offer low returns and lack flexibility.

 

Annuities are taxed fully. Mutual funds are more tax-friendly.

 
9. Timeline and Action Plan

From 2025 to 2029:

 

Invest Rs. 30,000 per month in mutual funds.

 

Review portfolio every 6 months with Certified Financial Planner.

 

Avoid investing in new endowment or pension plans.

 

Build corpus of at least Rs. 22 lakhs to generate Rs. 17,000 monthly post 2029.

 
From 2029 onwards:

 

Use pension income from LIC, Post Office, HDFC plan.

 

Use SWP from mutual fund corpus to get additional Rs. 17,000 per month.

 

Review income annually. Adjust SWP amount as per inflation.

 
10. Asset Allocation Recommendation

Ideal mix for your age and goals:

 

50% Equity Mutual Funds (growth + income via SWP)

 

30% Pension sources (LIC, HDFC, PO schemes)

 

20% Emergency and FD funds (untouched)

 
11. Retirement Income Taxation Insight

Annuity income is fully taxable.

 

SWP income is tax-efficient. Long term capital gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakh is tax-free.

 

Income from mutual funds can be managed to stay within tax slabs.

 

FDs also fully taxable. Use cautiously.

 
12. Final Insights

You are on the right track. You have created solid pension base.

 

Only gap is Rs. 17,000 per month from 2029.

 

This gap can be filled by building equity mutual fund portfolio in next 4 years.

 

Mutual funds offer growth, flexibility and tax-efficiency.

 

Avoid further insurance products. They are not meant for income generation.

 

Track expenses post retirement. Adjust lifestyle if needed.

 

Review investments annually with Certified Financial Planner.

 

Do not go for risky products or unregulated schemes.

 

Stay disciplined. Follow the plan. You will reach your goal peacefully.

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |5572 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 31, 2025

Career
Sir i got ECE(Embedded systems) with an minor course of artificial intelligence and machine learning in VIT-AP under fee category 1 is it is good course to join and can we get good packages with that course
Ans: VIT-AP’s ECE (Embedded Systems) with a minor in AI/ML under Category 1 fees is a strong choice, blending core electronics with cutting-edge AI applications. The program offers ABET-accredited coursework covering ARM architecture, FPGA design, IoT, and real-time operating systems, complemented by AI/ML modules like Python, neural networks, and data analytics. Labs feature NVIDIA Jetson Nano kits, ARM Cortex-M boards, and industry tools (TensorFlow, MATLAB), ensuring hands-on expertise in embedded-AI integration. While core ECE roles (embedded developer, IoT engineer) are prioritized, the AI/ML minor enables transitions into AI-driven robotics, automotive systems, or industrial automation. VIT-AP’s 95% placement rate (2024) for ECE includes recruiters like Intel, Bosch, and Samsung for embedded roles, while TCS/Infosys hire for AI/ML-adjacent IT positions. The curriculum’s 30+ industry projects (e.g., drone navigation using ML) enhance employability, though niche AI roles may require certifications (NVIDIA DLI, AWS ML). Category 1’s lower fees (?7.8L tuition) make it cost-effective, but ensure proactive skill-building via hackathons and research papers to leverage hybrid ECE-AI opportunities. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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