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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on May 14, 2023

Colonel Sanjeev Govila (retd) is the founder of Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning company dedicated to the armed forces personnel and their families.
He has over 12 years of experience in financial planning and is a SEBI certified registered investment advisor; he is also accredited with AMFI and IRDA.... more
Ranajeet Question by Ranajeet on May 14, 2023Hindi
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Colonel Saheb first clear the air about whether you are a SEBI registered Investment Advisor or Mutual Fund Distributor??If you are RIA then share ur Registration no.

Ans: Ha ha – your ‘first clear the air’ words give away a lack of trust in my abilities to answer questions here! I assure you that Rediff team is a very capable one and they’ve done their due diligence before they brought me on this portal.

Nevertheless, to answer your question – I’ve been a RIA for the past nine years (since 30th April 2014) with my SEBI RIA Regn No INA 100001695. You would be able to see it on SEBI RIA page.
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  |9705 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 08, 2024

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Sir, I have been investing in MFs through SIP and Lumpsum for last 6 yrs. But now a days, I am realising discipline is also a must here. In this regard, I need your kind financial guidance through investment advice in mutual funds. How can I contact with you for details @ Ramalingam Kalirajan? Thanks.
Ans: I appreciate your trust and willingness to connect. It’s wonderful to see your awareness of the importance of discipline in investment. Mutual funds, with the right strategy and consistent discipline, can significantly contribute to your financial goals. Let's delve into the importance of discipline in mutual fund investments and how you can optimise your strategy.

The Importance of Discipline in Mutual Fund Investments
Investing in mutual funds requires more than just regular contributions; it demands a disciplined approach to achieve your financial goals. Here are some key aspects of maintaining discipline in your investments:

Regular Monitoring and Review
Regularly reviewing your portfolio ensures that your investments are aligned with your financial goals. This helps in making necessary adjustments based on market conditions and changes in your financial situation.

Consistent Contributions
Maintaining consistency in your SIPs is crucial. Skipping SIPs can disrupt the compounding effect, which is vital for long-term wealth creation. Treat your SIPs like a mandatory financial commitment.

Staying Invested for the Long Term
Mutual fund investments are most beneficial when held for the long term. Market fluctuations are inevitable, but staying invested helps in averaging out the market volatility and maximizing returns.

Strategic Investment in Mutual Funds
To optimise your mutual fund investments, consider the following strategies:

Diversification
Diversifying your investments across different types of mutual funds (equity, debt, hybrid) and sectors helps in spreading risk and improving potential returns. Avoid concentrating your investments in one sector or asset class.

Asset Allocation
Asset allocation is the process of dividing your investment portfolio among different asset categories. It plays a crucial role in balancing risk and reward. Adjust your asset allocation based on your risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Periodic rebalancing ensures that your portfolio maintains its desired asset allocation. This involves selling assets that have performed well and reinvesting in underperforming assets, thereby maintaining the balance.

Benefits of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide tailored advice based on your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. Here’s how a CFP can help:

Personalised Financial Planning
A CFP can develop a comprehensive financial plan that includes investment strategies, retirement planning, tax planning, and more. This ensures all aspects of your financial life are considered.

Expert Investment Advice
With extensive knowledge and expertise, a CFP can recommend the best mutual funds based on your risk profile and financial goals. They can also provide insights into market trends and economic factors affecting your investments.

Ongoing Support and Guidance
A CFP offers ongoing support, regularly reviewing and adjusting your financial plan to keep you on track towards your goals. This includes monitoring your portfolio’s performance and making necessary adjustments.

Detailed Financial Guidance
I am glad you want to embark on this financial journey with professional guidance. For detailed investment advice and personalised financial planning, you can reach out to me through my website. This platform has restrictions on sharing personal contact details directly, but you can visit my website for further contact information and to schedule a consultation.

Final Thoughts
Your commitment to maintaining discipline in your mutual fund investments is commendable. By consistently monitoring your investments, staying disciplined, and seeking professional guidance, you are on the right path to achieving your financial goals. Let’s work together to ensure your financial success and secure your future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9705 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Sir, I have started two new SIPs ( @4K each) through MF just in last month, namely Quant Mid cap and Quant Large & Mid cap. Including these two presently I am continuing 60K of SIPs in different MFs for last 1 yr. Also had a plan to start a new SIP of 6K through Quant ELSS fund. But, after todays news of SEBI on Quant MF, I am confused. Should I stop the said one month old two funds and not to start ELSS or what? I have partially decided to continue with existing two funds and carefully watch on the situation for one/two year and not to start new MF with Quant. What should I do? Pls suggest.
Ans: First of all, commendations on your dedication to investing and planning for your financial future. Your efforts in consistently investing through SIPs are commendable. I understand your concern regarding the recent SEBI news about Quant Mutual Funds. Let’s address your queries and develop a comprehensive approach to your investment strategy.

Current SIP Investments
Your commitment to Rs 60,000 in SIPs over the last year is a strong start. SIPs offer the advantage of rupee cost averaging and can help in building a substantial corpus over time.

Evaluating Recent Investments
Given your recent start with Quant Mid Cap and Quant Large & Mid Cap funds, and the news about SEBI’s stance on Quant MF, your concerns are valid. Here’s a detailed analysis:

Market and Regulatory Sentiments: Regulatory actions can sometimes create uncertainty. However, it’s important to understand the specifics of SEBI's concerns and how they might impact the fund's performance and management.

Fund Performance: Before making any decisions, evaluate the historical performance of these funds. Look at their consistency, returns, and how they have managed risks.

Fund Management: Assess the expertise and track record of the fund managers. Effective management can often navigate through regulatory and market challenges.

Deciding on Continuation or Stopping SIPs
Continue Monitoring
Your decision to continue with the two existing funds while monitoring the situation is prudent. Here’s why:

Long-Term Perspective: Equity investments, especially in mutual funds, are meant for the long term. Short-term fluctuations or news should not drastically impact long-term strategies.

Performance Review: Regularly review the performance of these funds over the next 6-12 months. Evaluate them against their benchmarks and peer funds.

Adjust if Needed: If you notice consistent underperformance or if regulatory issues significantly impact the fund, consider reallocating to more stable funds.

New SIP in Quant ELSS
Considering the SEBI news, it’s understandable to be cautious about starting a new SIP in Quant ELSS. Here’s an alternative approach:

Diversification: Instead of putting all your SIPs in Quant funds, consider diversifying across different fund houses. This spreads your risk and can provide stability.

Evaluate Other ELSS Funds: Look for other ELSS funds with strong track records, good management, and consistent performance. ELSS not only offers tax benefits but also has the potential for good long-term returns.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are beneficial for several reasons:

Expertise: Fund managers actively make decisions to maximize returns and minimize risks.

Flexibility: These funds can adapt to changing market conditions, unlike index funds which replicate market performance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
While direct funds have lower expense ratios, there are notable disadvantages:

Lack of Professional Guidance: Without a Certified Financial Planner, managing direct funds can be challenging.

Time-Consuming: Monitoring and adjusting investments require significant time and expertise.

Recommended Strategy for Your SIPs
Diversified Portfolio
A well-diversified portfolio across different fund categories can enhance returns and reduce risks. Consider these steps:

Large Cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies with a stable growth trajectory.

Mid Cap Funds: They invest in medium-sized companies with potential for high growth.

Small Cap Funds: Suitable for aggressive investors, these funds can offer high returns but come with higher risks.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds: These funds offer a mix of equity and debt, providing stability and growth.

Regular Reviews
Schedule regular reviews with your Certified Financial Planner to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals and market conditions. Adjustments may be necessary based on performance and market changes.

Building a Robust Investment Plan
Your goal should be to build a robust investment plan that can withstand market fluctuations and regulatory changes. Here’s how:

Emergency Fund
Maintain your emergency fund of Rs 15 lakhs. This provides a safety net for unexpected expenses and ensures you don’t have to dip into your investments prematurely.

Goal-Based Investments
Children’s Education: Continue investing through SIPs in diversified equity funds for long-term growth. This will help accumulate the required corpus for their education.

Retirement Planning: Invest in aggressive growth funds for your retirement goal. Starting early and maintaining consistency will leverage the power of compounding.

Importance of Staying Informed
Stay informed about market trends and regulatory changes. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and adapt to changes effectively.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner can provide invaluable guidance. They can:

Customise Portfolio: Tailor your investments based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions.

Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor your portfolio and make necessary adjustments.

Risk Management: Help you navigate market and regulatory risks effectively.

Final Insights
Your proactive approach to investing is commendable. Continuously monitoring and reviewing your investments is crucial. While the SEBI news about Quant MF is concerning, maintaining a long-term perspective is important. Diversify your portfolio to mitigate risks and ensure you are investing in well-managed funds.

Stay informed, regularly review your portfolio, and seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner. This comprehensive approach will help you achieve your financial goals and secure your future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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My son has got offer from IISc Btech Mathematics and Computing and IIT Hyderabad Btech CSE. Which would be better to join
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Recommendation: Given your son’s interest in pure computation and research, the recommendation is to join IISc’s Mathematics and Computing for its niche curriculum, small-cohort mentorship, and superior average placements; alternatively, choose IIT Hyderabad CSE for broader student community, comprehensive labs, and strong industry engagement. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2025Hindi
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Sir please advise me for bba it program from sicsr pune or bcom from du off campus or BBA from ilm ,gl bajaj
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recommendation Given the superior brand recognition, comprehensive IT-focused curriculum, stronger industry connections, and higher placement packages, prioritize SICSR Pune's BBA IT program despite higher fees; alternatively, consider DU BCom off-campus for its prestigious legacy and cost-effectiveness if budget constraints exist, with GL Bajaj BBA serving as a valuable option for balanced fees and solid placement support. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9705 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi My monthly in hand salary is 84k My loans emi are more than 70 k What to do
Ans: ? Understand the seriousness of your EMI burden
– Your EMI is more than Rs.70,000.
– Your take-home is Rs.84,000.
– This means more than 80% goes in repaying loans.
– This is a very high debt-to-income ratio.
– It leaves very little for your monthly needs.
– Saving and investing becomes almost impossible.
– This can affect your peace of mind and stability.

? Start with identifying the types of loans
– List all loans with EMI and balance.
– Note the interest rate and tenure for each.
– This includes personal loans, credit card dues, car loans, etc.
– Check which loan has the highest interest rate.
– This step gives full clarity on your debt structure.

? Avoid any new loans or expenses for now
– Don’t take more loans to handle current EMIs.
– That will only increase your burden.
– Avoid using credit cards for EMI or cash withdrawal.
– Stop or pause any high-cost spending.
– No gadgets, no travel, no luxury expenses.

? Build a basic household budget immediately
– Track every rupee of your monthly spending.
– Separate must-have expenses from avoidable ones.
– Rent, groceries, medicines, utilities – keep these.
– Remove online shopping, OTT, dining out, weekend trips.
– Live very simple for the next 12–18 months.

? Find options to reduce your EMI load
– Try negotiating lower interest rate with lender.
– Use balance transfer to reduce EMI.
– Banks give lower rate for good credit scores.
– Extend loan tenure to lower monthly EMI.
– This increases total interest, but gives relief now.

? Try part-prepayment of small loans
– If any loan has low balance, try prepaying it.
– Use bonus, PF loan, family support if needed.
– Start with highest interest loan.
– That will save more in long run.

? Explore debt consolidation with proper advice
– Sometimes combining loans into one can help.
– But only do this if interest rate is lower.
– You must study terms carefully.
– Don’t go for informal lenders or apps.
– Only use regulated NBFCs or banks.

? Emergency fund is missing – create it gradually
– With such tight cash flow, emergency fund is vital.
– You can’t handle job loss without it.
– Aim for Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 first.
– Slowly grow it to 3 months of EMI and needs.
– Park it in safe liquid instruments.

? Investment should be paused temporarily
– Right now your focus is loan reduction.
– Investments can wait for 6–12 months.
– Clear debt and build stability first.
– Later, you can invest for goals.

? Avoid insurance-linked investments
– If you hold any ULIP, endowment or money-back plans, exit now.
– These give poor returns and have high charges.
– They reduce your liquidity and flexibility.
– Shift to pure term plan for protection.
– Invest separately in mutual funds later.

? Surrender and re-invest policies if applicable
– If you have LIC or similar policy, review it.
– If it is not term insurance, check surrender value.
– Exit non-performing plans and reinvest in mutual funds.
– Mutual funds are flexible and goal-based.

? Resume investments once cash flow improves
– Start small SIPs only when your EMI is manageable.
– Use actively managed mutual funds for better returns.
– Index funds look cheap, but have limits.
– Index funds don’t beat the market.
– Active funds try to give better than average return.

? Why index funds are not suitable for your case
– Index funds follow market blindly.
– They do not adjust based on risk or time horizon.
– They may underperform during crashes.
– You need customised growth, not average returns.
– Active funds managed by experts offer more.

? Mutual fund route – regular plan with MFD and CFP
– Don’t go for direct funds on your own.
– Direct funds give no hand-holding or guidance.
– Choosing wrong fund can cause loss.
– MFD + CFP can guide based on your goals.
– They help monitor and rebalance regularly.

? Focus on income stability and skill improvement
– Parallel to loan control, work on job stability.
– Upgrade skills in your domain.
– Learn tools, certifications or soft skills.
– Job loss or salary cut can worsen your loan problem.
– Keep improving yourself every 6 months.

? Plan for goals once loans are under control
– After 1–2 years, plan for these goals:
– Emergency fund
– Child education
– Retirement
– Home down payment (only if within budget)
– Prioritise retirement even if child is small.
– Don’t depend on property or pension in future.

? Always protect your family with insurance
– Term insurance is needed if you have dependents.
– Rs.50L to Rs.1Cr cover is ideal.
– Premium is low and benefit is high.
– Also, get health insurance for entire family.
– Don’t rely on company medical policy alone.

? Don't panic or lose confidence
– Many people face such debt situations.
– It’s a phase, not the end.
– Proper budgeting and planning can solve it.
– Stay disciplined and committed.
– One year of effort can change everything.

? Create a 3-step action plan from today
– Step 1: Review all EMIs and spending.
– Step 2: Try restructuring or partial prepayment.
– Step 3: Build emergency fund and resume SIP later.

? Stay away from high-risk or quick return plans
– Avoid crypto, trading, Ponzi apps or get-rich schemes.
– You can’t solve debt through speculation.
– Safety and liquidity matter more now.

? Keep reviewing your plan every 3 months
– Sit with a Certified Financial Planner regularly.
– Share updates and revise your goals.
– Consistency in execution is more important than speed.
– Financial freedom takes time but is possible.

? Finally
– Focus now is on survival and regaining balance.
– Once done, you can restart your investment journey.
– With planning and patience, you can still build wealth.
– You already took the first step by asking.
– Take action now, even if small.

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

...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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