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Aggressive Investor: How Much to Invest Monthly to Reach Ambitious Goals?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 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
aNoOp Question by aNoOp on Jul 16, 2024Hindi
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Current Investment: Age: 23Monthly SIP: ?3,600 Portfolio: Small Cap, Mid Cap, and Index Funds Financial Goals: Goal 1: Accumulate ?1 crore in the next 3 years Goal 2: Accumulate ?5 crores in the next 10 years Goal 3: Accumulate ?25 crores by the age of 50 (in 27 years) Questions: how much should I be investing monthly in SIPs to achieve these goals?Could you suggest a diversified portfolio that balances growth and risk? What adjustments or additional strategies would you recommend to make these goals more achievable?Are there any specific mutual funds you would recommend for each goal?

Ans: You are 23 years old and investing Rs 3,600 per month in SIPs. Your portfolio includes small-cap, mid-cap, and index funds.

Financial Goals Assessment

Goal 1: Accumulate Rs 1 crore in 3 years.
Goal 2: Accumulate Rs 5 crores in 10 years.
Goal 3: Accumulate Rs 25 crores by age 50 (27 years).
Monthly Investment Requirement

To achieve these goals, the current SIP of Rs 3,600 per month is not enough. You will need to increase your SIP amount significantly. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) will provide precise guidance on the required SIP.

Portfolio Diversification

Your current portfolio is heavily inclined towards small-cap, mid-cap, and index funds. These funds can be volatile. Including large-cap and flexi-cap funds will balance growth and risk.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds often track the market. They may not outperform it. Actively managed funds, managed by experts, can offer better returns and risk management.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds need continuous monitoring. Regular funds, managed by a CFP, can offer professional advice, better management, and less hassle.

Additional Strategies

Increase SIP Amount: Regularly review and increase your SIP as your income grows.

Seek Professional Guidance: A CFP can help you choose the right funds and strategies.

Diversify: Balance your portfolio with large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to reduce risk.

Final Insights

Your ambitious financial goals require a substantial increase in your SIP contributions. Diversify your portfolio to include large-cap and flexi-cap funds. Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner for tailored strategies and better management.

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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Hello sir I am 30 M unmarried have been doing SIP for 2 years now . Main goal : wealth creation (10-20 cr in 20 years) Please review my portfolio and suggest any changes if necessary. I am planning to increase by 50 percent on the total SIP amount Equity sip Quant Tax Plan Growth Option Direct Plan : 3000 Axis Bluechip Fund Direct Plan Growth : 1500 PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund Direct Growth :1500 Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth : 1500 PGIM India Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth : 1500 Debt : ICICI Prudential Short Term Fund Direct Plan Growth Option : 1000 ICICI Prudential Equity Savings Fund Direct Plan Growth Option : 1000 Sbi medium duration debt growth fund : 1000 Commodities : Nippon Goldetf :1500 Sgb : 5 -10 gms annually REIT : Reit Vanguard Etf (VNQ) : 1000 Embassy Office Parks REIT Share Price 500 International Funds S&p 500 etf :1500-2000 MON100 : 1000 Ftse Developed Market Index Etf Vanguard (VEA) : 1000 Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) :1000 Question : Q) Can I stop Large cap and move the sip to Multicap . Q ) would you recommend to have safer options like FD , PPF for someone at my age with high risk appetite . I have actually moved my fd's into MFs as well almost in the similar proportion. Q ) Review of the portfolio Q) Any suggestions on overall Portfolio and let us say I have some money left to invest what could be the best possible way to invest in stocks ? Q) also any tool which could predict the returns based on portfolio.
Ans: Here are some suggestions for your portfolio:

Consider shifting SIP from Large Cap to Multicap to potentially enhance returns, given your long-term wealth creation goal. Ensure Multicap funds have a proven track record of delivering consistent performance across market cycles.

Given your high-risk appetite and long investment horizon, it's reasonable to allocate a significant portion of your portfolio to equities and equity-related instruments. However, ensure you have a diversified portfolio across asset classes to manage risk effectively.

Review your portfolio periodically to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Make adjustments as needed based on changes in market conditions and your investment objectives.

If you have additional funds to invest, consider diversifying further across sectors or exploring opportunities in thematic funds that align with your investment thesis.

Utilize online tools and calculators provided by mutual fund companies or financial websites to estimate potential returns based on your portfolio allocation. Keep in mind that these projections are based on historical data and assumptions and may not accurately predict future performance.

Consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific financial situation and goals. They can help you optimize your portfolio and make informed investment decisions to maximize wealth creation over the long term.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

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HI, I am 32 years old male having following SIPs. I am investing for wealth creation and for a time horizon of 10 - 15 years. Please review and guide if any changes are required 1. Parag Parikh - 10k 2. Kotak Multicap - 10k 3. Value Discovery - 10k 4. HDFC Balance Advantage - 6k 5 Canara Robeco Small cap - 5k 6 Canra Rebocco Blue chip - 5k 7 Axis Opportunities Fund - 9k 8 Groww Index Fund - 5k 9. Axis ELSS - 2.5K
Ans: It's great to see your commitment to investing for wealth creation at a relatively young age. Let's review your current SIP portfolio and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and time horizon.

Assessing Your SIPs
You've chosen a diverse set of mutual funds, covering various market segments and investment styles. Here's a brief overview of each fund:

Parag Parikh: Known for its global diversification and focus on quality stocks, suitable for investors seeking stability and growth potential.

Kotak Multicap: Provides exposure to companies across market capitalizations, offering diversification and potential for capital appreciation.

Value Discovery: A value-oriented fund that seeks undervalued stocks with the potential for long-term growth, suitable for patient investors.

HDFC Balance Advantage: A dynamic asset allocation fund that adjusts its equity exposure based on market conditions, offering downside protection and growth potential.

Canara Robeco Small Cap: Invests in small-cap companies with high growth potential, suitable for investors with a higher risk tolerance and longer investment horizon.

Canara Robeco Blue Chip: Focuses on large-cap companies with strong fundamentals and stable earnings, offering stability and growth potential.

Axis Opportunities Fund: Seeks investment opportunities across sectors and market caps, suitable for investors seeking capital appreciation.

Groww Index Fund: Tracks a specific market index, providing exposure to a broad market segment at a lower cost. However, index funds may underperform actively managed funds during certain market conditions.

Axis ELSS: A tax-saving fund that offers potential tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, suitable for investors looking to save on taxes while building wealth.

Recommendations for Optimization
While your portfolio is well-diversified, here are a few suggestions to consider:

Review Overlapping Holdings: Check for overlapping holdings across your funds to ensure adequate diversification. Avoid excessive exposure to similar stocks or sectors to minimize risk.

Evaluate Performance: Monitor the performance of each fund regularly and compare it against relevant benchmarks and peers. Consider replacing underperforming funds with better alternatives, if necessary.

Rebalance Asset Allocation: Assess your overall asset allocation and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment objectives. Consider adjusting your allocation between equity and debt based on changing market conditions and your financial goals.

Consider Consolidation: Depending on your preferences and convenience, you may consider consolidating your SIPs into fewer funds to simplify your portfolio management and reduce administrative overhead.

Conclusion
Overall, your SIP portfolio is well-structured and positioned for long-term wealth creation. By regularly reviewing and optimizing your investments, you can maximize returns and achieve your financial goals with confidence.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

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Current Investment: Age: 23Monthly SIP: ?3,600 Portfolio: Small Cap, Mid Cap, and Index Funds Financial Goals: Goal 1: Accumulate ?1 crore in the next 3 years Goal 2: Accumulate ?5 crores in the next 10 years Goal 3: Accumulate ?25 crores by the age of 50 (in 27 years) Questions: how much should I be investing monthly in SIPs to achieve these goals?Could you suggest a diversified portfolio that balances growth and risk? What adjustments or additional strategies would you recommend to make these goals more achievable?Are there any specific mutual funds you would recommend for each goal?
Ans: Current Investment Overview
Age and Monthly SIP
Age: 23 years
Current SIP: Rs. 3,600
Portfolio
Small Cap Funds
Mid Cap Funds
Index Funds
Financial Goals
Accumulate Rs. 1 crore in 3 years
Accumulate Rs. 5 crores in 10 years
Accumulate Rs. 25 crores by the age of 50 (27 years)
Calculating Monthly SIPs to Achieve Goals
Goal 1: Accumulate Rs. 1 Crore in 3 Years
Achieving Rs. 1 crore in 3 years with SIPs is quite ambitious due to the short time frame. This would require very high returns which are unrealistic and risky. Instead, consider a mix of equity and debt funds to achieve a more balanced growth.

Goal 2: Accumulate Rs. 5 Crores in 10 Years
For this goal, we assume an average annual return of 12%. You would need to invest significantly higher amounts compared to your current SIP.

Goal 3: Accumulate Rs. 25 Crores in 27 Years
Assuming an average annual return of 12%, you will need to increase your SIP gradually as your income grows.

Suggested Monthly SIPs
For Goal 1
Monthly SIP: Approximately Rs. 2.5 lakhs (unrealistic with a balanced risk approach; consider adjusting the goal or extending the time frame)
For Goal 2
Monthly SIP: Approximately Rs. 2.5 lakhs
For Goal 3
Monthly SIP: Approximately Rs. 2 lakhs initially, increasing annually as your income increases
Diversified Portfolio Recommendations
Balancing Growth and Risk
Equity Funds
Large Cap Funds: For stability and consistent growth
Mid Cap Funds: For higher growth potential with moderate risk
Small Cap Funds: For aggressive growth but with higher risk
Debt Funds
Short-Term Debt Funds: For stability and to balance the portfolio risk
Corporate Bond Funds: For better returns compared to traditional savings
Suggested Portfolio Allocation
Large Cap Funds: 40%
Mid Cap Funds: 30%
Small Cap Funds: 20%
Debt Funds: 10%
Additional Strategies
Increase SIP Amounts Gradually
Annual Increase: Increase your SIP amount by 10-15% annually to leverage your income growth.
Bonus and Windfalls: Invest any additional income, bonuses, or windfalls to boost your portfolio.
Regular Review and Rebalancing
Quarterly Review: Check the performance of your investments quarterly.
Rebalancing: Adjust your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation and manage risk.
Focus on Long-Term Goals
Discipline: Maintain investment discipline and avoid impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.
Education: Stay informed about market trends and mutual fund performance to make informed decisions.
Final Insights
Achieving your financial goals requires disciplined investing, a balanced portfolio, and regular reviews. While some goals may need adjustments, consistent efforts and strategic investments will help you build substantial wealth over time.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
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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

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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.
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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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