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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 05, 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 - May 30, 2025
Money

Hi My current SIP amount Rs97500. My current financial assets worth PMS scheme=110lac My personal stock portfolios =48.87 My mutual fund portfolio =50lac FD and savings account =15lac Term insurance= 1cr pure term+ 1cr ULIP Health insurance =15 lac+ 10lac(star &care) Rental income =53000rs per month Every month i can save 3lac after my expenses pls guide me where to invest the remaining 3lac...Myself NRI age 42working in middle Eastern country surviving with 2kids 10thstd+8th std..

Ans: You are 42 years old.

You are working in a Middle Eastern country.

You have two children in 10th and 8th standard.

Monthly income allows you to save Rs. 3 lakhs.

You are already investing Rs. 97,500 in SIPs.

Your total financial assets include:

PMS investments: Rs. 1.10 crore

Personal stock portfolio: Rs. 48.87 lakhs

Mutual fund portfolio: Rs. 50 lakhs

FD and savings: Rs. 15 lakhs

Rental income: Rs. 53,000 per month

Insurance:

Term insurance: Rs. 1 crore

ULIP: Rs. 1 crore

Health insurance: Rs. 15 lakhs (Star) + Rs. 10 lakhs (Care)

Let us now build a 360-degree strategy for the surplus Rs. 3 lakhs monthly.

Emergency Fund Planning
Maintain 12 months of total expenses as emergency fund.

Include school fees, household spends, travel costs, etc.

Rs. 25–30 lakhs can be parked as emergency reserve.

Use ultra-short debt mutual funds or sweep-in fixed deposits.

Ensure this money is highly liquid and safe.

Emergency fund gives mental comfort during uncertainty.

You may already have some allocation here from FDs.

Reassess and top up if needed.

Review and Reallocate ULIP
ULIP often has higher charges than mutual funds.

Returns also depend on insurance company performance.

These products combine investment with insurance.

Mixing both is not an efficient way to grow wealth.

If ULIP is not recent, assess current surrender value.

If ULIP performance is weak, consider surrender.

Redeploy proceeds into mutual funds via monthly STP.

This improves transparency, flexibility and performance tracking.

Mutual Fund Expansion
You are already investing Rs. 97,500 monthly in SIP.

Increase mutual fund SIP to Rs. 2 lakhs monthly.

Choose mix of large cap, multi cap, mid cap funds.

Use actively managed funds via Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid index funds due to these reasons:

No downside protection during market fall

No active rebalancing

Rigid allocation with no flexibility

Underperformance during sideways markets

No fund manager intelligence in stock selection

Actively managed funds help generate alpha over index.

They allow periodic fund review and course correction.

Invest through regular plans via qualified professionals.

Avoid direct funds unless you have full-time expertise.

Regular funds offer human support, reviews, discipline.

PMS and Stocks Evaluation
Rs. 1.10 crore in PMS is significant.

Ensure PMS is benchmarked and evaluated yearly.

Look for consistency and reasonable risk profile.

Some PMS schemes have higher drawdowns.

Discuss risk appetite with your Certified Financial Planner.

Similarly, your stock portfolio is Rs. 48.87 lakhs.

Review holdings for concentration and duplication.

Avoid investing fresh money in direct stocks now.

Instead, shift focus to mutual funds for safer diversification.

Children’s Education Corpus Planning
Higher education for 2 children in next 5–8 years.

Target corpus should be Rs. 60–80 lakhs.

Allocate Rs. 40,000–50,000 monthly for this goal.

Use a dedicated mutual fund with balanced exposure.

Choose moderate-risk funds to avoid volatility.

Rebalance yearly as goal approaches.

Shift to ultra-short debt funds two years before use.

This ensures safety from market downturn.

Retirement Planning Focus
You are currently 42.

Retirement target should be Rs. 6–7 crore corpus minimum.

Allocate Rs. 50,000 monthly for this goal.

This can be via actively managed mutual funds.

Include large cap and flexi cap funds for long term.

Plan to continue till age 55 or beyond.

Track this goal annually with performance reports.

Don't rely on property sale or pension alone.

Focus on creating a liquid retirement corpus.

Monthly Surplus: Recommended Allocation
Rs. 3 lakh surplus should be split as follows:

Rs. 2 lakh in mutual fund SIP (active, regular plans)

Rs. 50,000 for education corpus (goal-based funds)

Rs. 50,000 towards retirement portfolio

Review allocations annually with a Certified Financial Planner.

Rebalance based on asset performance and goals.

Taxation Considerations
New capital gains tax rule applies:

For equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

For debt mutual funds:

Both LTCG and STCG taxed as per income slab

ULIP maturity is tax-free only if premium is below cap.

FDs are taxable at slab rate.

Stocks attract STT and capital gains taxes.

Keep detailed record of transactions and redemption years.

Plan systematic withdrawals for tax efficiency.

Insurance Assessment
Term insurance of Rs. 1 crore is good.

You may increase to Rs. 2 crore based on liability.

ULIP insurance should not be part of your coverage.

Health insurance Rs. 25 lakhs combined is decent.

Ensure it covers NRI and India both if needed.

Add global health cover if settling abroad later.

Real Estate: No More Exposure Suggested
You already have rental income from existing property.

Do not add more real estate.

Avoid tying more money into illiquid assets.

Focus on market-based, liquid financial instruments.

Risk Management Tips
Maintain a clear goal-wise investment structure.

Set up SIPs in different goals to track separately.

Monitor PMS and stock volatility quarterly.

Use automatic STP from liquid fund to equity fund.

Don’t chase high returns or unregulated investments.

Avoid peer-to-peer lending and crypto assets.

Discuss investment changes only with a Certified Financial Planner.

Finally
Your financial base is strong and structured.

With Rs. 3 lakh monthly surplus, you are in a powerful position.

Prioritise long-term goals like education and retirement.

Avoid over-concentration in direct stocks or PMS.

Grow your mutual fund SIP and link to goals.

Eliminate underperforming products like ULIPs if needed.

Let your Certified Financial Planner review your total portfolio annually.

Focus on liquidity, diversification, and simplicity in all decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
Asked on - Jun 05, 2025 | Answered on Jun 05, 2025
Thank you very much sir
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

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 Jun 25, 2024

Money
Sir I am 37 year old ... having salary of 1.2 lacs per months and want to save money for child higher education and daughter martiage. Have 48 lakhs in fd's and PF account is having 18 laksh and will receive 20 lakhs in 2027 from LIC Please suggest how to invest in SIP currently having 50000 lumsump in Sbi energy opportunities fund, lumsump 50000 in SBI AUTO Hdfc noncyclic consumer fund Sip of 3000 Edelweiss small cap fund sip of 4000 Kotak emerging equity fund sip of. 3000 NJFlexi cap 1500, Hdfc multicap fund SIP of 1500 (50000 lumsum) Icici prudential value discovery fund sip of 1000 Total SIP per month 14500 and will increase to 30000 Please review my mutual fund portfolio as i dont have any knowledge and suggest if i have chossen correct category with mutual fund name or need to switch Waiting for your suggestion and thanks in advance
Ans: First, I want to commend you for taking proactive steps towards securing your family’s future. Planning for your children’s education and your daughter's marriage is crucial. Your current salary and savings indicate that you are on a strong financial path.

You’ve done well to accumulate Rs. 48 lakhs in Fixed Deposits and Provident Funds, and you have Rs. 18 lakhs in your PF account. Additionally, you’ll receive Rs. 20 lakhs from your LIC policy in 2027. These are significant assets that provide a solid foundation for your financial planning.

Your monthly income of Rs. 1.2 lakhs and your commitment to SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) show that you are already disciplined with your investments. Let's review your portfolio and explore how you can enhance it to meet your goals effectively.

Reviewing Your Current Mutual Fund Portfolio
Lump Sum Investments:

Rs. 50,000 in SBI Energy Opportunities Fund
Rs. 50,000 in SBI Auto Fund
Rs. 50,000 in HDFC Non-Cyclic Consumer Fund
Monthly SIPs:

Rs. 3,000 in Edelweiss Small Cap Fund
Rs. 4,000 in Kotak Emerging Equity Fund
Rs. 1,500 in NJ Flexi Cap Fund
Rs. 1,500 in HDFC Multi-Cap Fund (Plus Rs. 50,000 lump sum)
Rs. 1,000 in ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund
Total SIP per month: Rs. 14,500, with plans to increase to Rs. 30,000.

You have chosen a mix of funds across different sectors and market caps. This diversification is a good start, but let’s refine your strategy.

Diversification and Fund Selection
Your portfolio covers various market segments, which is excellent. Diversification reduces risk and provides stability. However, there are a few areas to consider:

Sector Funds:

Sector funds like Energy and Auto can be volatile. While they offer high growth potential, they are also riskier. It's important to balance them with more stable, diversified funds.
Cap Exposure:

You have exposure to small-cap (Edelweiss Small Cap Fund) and mid-cap (Kotak Emerging Equity Fund) funds. These can offer high returns but are riskier compared to large-cap or multi-cap funds. Ensure you are comfortable with this risk level.
Flexi Cap and Multi-Cap Funds:

Funds like NJ Flexi Cap and HDFC Multi-Cap provide flexibility and exposure across various market caps. These funds can adjust their portfolio based on market conditions, offering a balanced approach.
Value Funds:

ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund focuses on undervalued stocks, which can be a good long-term strategy but might not perform consistently in the short term.
Optimizing Your Investment Strategy
Given your goals, it's essential to align your investments with your risk tolerance and time horizon. Here’s a refined approach:

Reduce Sector Concentration:

Consider reallocating some funds from sector-specific investments (like Energy and Auto) to more diversified funds. Sector funds can be part of your portfolio, but they should not dominate it.
Increase Large-Cap Exposure:

Large-cap funds offer stability and consistent returns. Increasing your allocation in large-cap or blue-chip funds can provide a solid foundation, especially considering your goals of funding education and marriage.
Balanced Fund Allocation:

Maintain a balanced approach with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This strategy provides growth potential while managing risk. Multi-cap and flexi-cap funds are good choices for maintaining balance.
Review and Rebalance Regularly:

Markets fluctuate, and your financial situation might change. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. A quarterly or annual review is advisable.
Increasing Your SIP Contributions
You plan to increase your SIP contributions from Rs. 14,500 to Rs. 30,000. This is a positive step towards achieving your financial goals. Here's how to approach it:

Gradual Increase:

Gradually increase your SIP amounts in existing funds or consider adding new funds that align with your investment strategy. This helps in averaging out the cost and managing cash flow effectively.
Prioritize Long-Term Goals:

Allocate more to funds with a long-term horizon, such as those targeting your children’s education. Equity funds with a long-term focus are ideal for this purpose due to their potential for higher returns.
Emergency Fund and Short-Term Goals:

Ensure you have an emergency fund to cover at least 6 months of expenses. For short-term goals like your daughter's marriage, consider more stable, debt-oriented funds or balanced funds that offer lower risk and steady returns.
Role of Fixed Deposits and LIC Policies
Fixed Deposits:

Your Rs. 48 lakhs in FDs provide a safety net and assured returns. While FDs are secure, their returns might not outpace inflation in the long run. Consider gradually reallocating a portion to mutual funds for better growth.
LIC Policy:

The Rs. 20 lakhs you will receive in 2027 from your LIC policy can be reinvested in mutual funds. This amount can significantly boost your investment corpus for your goals.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds over Index Funds
Actively managed funds have professional managers who select stocks based on research and analysis. These funds aim to outperform the market. While index funds track the market passively, actively managed funds can provide higher returns through strategic stock selection.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

They mirror the market and cannot outperform it.
In volatile markets, they can fall just as much as the index.
Lack of active management means no attempt to capitalize on market opportunities.
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds:

Potential to outperform the market through strategic investments.
Flexibility to shift assets in response to market changes.
Professional fund managers use their expertise to mitigate risks and enhance returns.
Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Direct funds have lower expense ratios as they do not include distributor commissions. However, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) using regular funds can provide several advantages:

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

You need to have good knowledge and time to manage your investments.
Lack of professional guidance can lead to suboptimal investment choices.
No support for portfolio review and rebalancing.
Advantages of Regular Funds:

Professional advice from CFPs ensures that your investments align with your goals.
CFPs provide ongoing support and help in rebalancing your portfolio.
They can offer insights on market trends and fund performance, helping you make informed decisions.
Final Insights
You have laid a strong financial foundation with your current investments and savings. With some refinements, you can enhance your portfolio to better align with your goals.

Diversify Wisely:

Maintain a balanced approach with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Reduce sector-specific exposure and add more diversified funds.
Regular Reviews:

Conduct regular reviews of your portfolio and adjust based on your changing financial situation and market conditions.
Professional Guidance:

Consider the benefits of regular funds and actively managed funds for professional guidance and potentially higher returns.
Goal-Based Allocation:

Allocate funds based on your specific goals, such as children's education and your daughter's marriage. Long-term goals can be aligned with equity funds, while short-term goals can be supported by stable, debt-oriented funds.
Emergency and Stability:

Maintain an emergency fund and gradually shift some FDs to mutual funds for better long-term growth.
With these strategies, you can build a robust investment portfolio that will help you achieve your financial goals. If you need further guidance, don't hesitate to consult a Certified Financial Planner to tailor a plan that fits your unique situation.

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 Jun 06, 2024

Money
Sir I am 37 year old ... having salary of 1.2 lacs per months and want to save money for child higher education and daughter martiage. Have 48 lakhs in fd's and PF account is having 18 laksh and will receive 20 lakhs in 2027 from LIC Please suggest how to invest in SIP currently having 50000 lumsump in Sbi energy opportunities fund, lumsump 50000 in SBI AUTO Hdfc noncyclic consumer fund Sip of 3000 Edelweiss small cap fund sip of 4000 Kotak emerging equity fund sip of. 3000 NJFlexi cap 1500, Hdfc multicap fund SIP of 1500 (50000 lumsum) Icici prudential value discovery fund sip of 1000 Total SIP per month 14500 and will increase to 30000 Please review my mutual fund portfolio as i dont have any knowledge and suggest if i have chossen correct category with mutual fund name or need to switch Waiting for your suggestion and thanks in advance Please suggest me fund for SIP as i dont have much knowledge and want to invest 30000 per month.. please help me
Ans: You have taken commendable steps towards securing your financial future. It’s inspiring to see your commitment to investing for your child's higher education and your daughter's marriage. Financial planning is crucial, and your efforts to build a diversified portfolio are noteworthy.

Current Financial Situation
You are 37 years old, earning Rs. 1.2 lakh per month. You have Rs. 48 lakhs in fixed deposits (FDs) and Rs. 18 lakhs in your Provident Fund (PF) account. Additionally, you will receive Rs. 20 lakhs from LIC in 2027.

Your current investments include:

Rs. 50,000 lump sum in SBI Energy Opportunities Fund
Rs. 50,000 lump sum in SBI Auto Fund
SIPs totaling Rs. 14,500 per month in various funds:
Edelweiss Small Cap Fund: Rs. 3,000
Kotak Emerging Equity Fund: Rs. 4,000
NJ Flexi Cap Fund: Rs. 1,500
HDFC Multicap Fund: Rs. 1,500 (plus Rs. 50,000 lump sum)
ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund: Rs. 1,000
You plan to increase your SIP to Rs. 30,000 per month.

Portfolio Analysis
Your current portfolio is diverse, covering small cap, mid cap, and multi-cap funds. However, it's essential to assess if the allocation aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Financial Goals and Investment Horizon
Child's Higher Education: Assuming your child is currently around 10 years old, you have roughly 8-10 years until higher education expenses begin.
Daughter's Marriage: Assuming your daughter is currently around 5 years old, you have roughly 15-20 years until her marriage expenses.
These timelines give you a medium to long-term investment horizon, allowing for a balanced approach between growth and stability.

Calculating Required Corpus
Child's Higher Education
Assume the cost of higher education today is Rs. 20 lakhs. With an average inflation rate of 6%, the cost after 10 years would be:

Future Cost = Current Cost × (1 + Inflation Rate)^Number of Years
Future Cost = 20,00,000 × (1 + 0.06)^10
Future Cost ≈ 35,80,000

Daughter's Marriage
Assume the cost of marriage today is Rs. 15 lakhs. With an average inflation rate of 6%, the cost after 20 years would be:

Future Cost = Current Cost × (1 + Inflation Rate)^Number of Years
Future Cost = 15,00,000 × (1 + 0.06)^20
Future Cost ≈ 48,10,000

SIP Required for Future Goals
To accumulate Rs. 35.8 lakhs in 10 years and Rs. 48.1 lakhs in 20 years, let’s calculate the SIP amounts needed. Assuming an average annual return of 12%, the monthly SIP required can be calculated using the future value of an SIP formula:

Future Value (FV) = P × [ (1 + r)^n - 1 ] / r × (1 + r)

Where:

P is the monthly investment (SIP amount)
r is the monthly rate of return (annual return / 12)
n is the total number of investments (months)
For a 12% annual return:
r = 12/100 / 12 = 0.01

For Higher Education (10 years):
n = 10 × 12 = 120

35,80,000 = P × [ (1 + 0.01)^120 - 1 ] / 0.01 × (1 + 0.01)
35,80,000 = P × 232.97 × 1.01
35,80,000 = P × 235.30
P ≈ 15,200

For Marriage (20 years):
n = 20 × 12 = 240

48,10,000 = P × [ (1 + 0.01)^240 - 1 ] / 0.01 × (1 + 0.01)
48,10,000 = P × 967.15 × 1.01
48,10,000 = P × 976.82
P ≈ 4,920

Recommended Monthly SIP
To meet both goals, you need to invest approximately Rs. 20,120 per month (Rs. 15,200 for education + Rs. 4,920 for marriage). This is well within your planned SIP increase to Rs. 30,000.

Reviewing and Adjusting Your Portfolio
Given your existing investments, it is essential to ensure they align with your goals and risk profile. Here’s a detailed review:

Existing SIPs
Edelweiss Small Cap Fund: Small-cap funds can provide high growth but come with high volatility. Limit to a smaller portion of your portfolio.
Kotak Emerging Equity Fund: Mid-cap fund, good for growth but also volatile.
NJ Flexi Cap Fund: Diversified across market caps, providing stability and growth.
HDFC Multicap Fund: Balanced approach with exposure to large, mid, and small caps.
ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund: Focus on undervalued stocks, adding stability to the portfolio.
Recommended Changes
Reduce Exposure to High-Risk Funds: Limit small-cap funds to 10-15% of your total portfolio to manage risk.
Increase Diversification: Add large-cap funds for stability. Large-cap funds tend to be less volatile and provide steady returns.
Focus on Goal-Based Allocation: Allocate investments specifically for education and marriage goals.
Suggested Allocation for Rs. 30,000 SIP
Large Cap Fund: Rs. 7,500
Multi Cap Fund: Rs. 7,500
Mid Cap Fund: Rs. 5,000
Small Cap Fund: Rs. 3,000
Flexi Cap Fund: Rs. 4,000
Value Fund: Rs. 3,000
Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
While index funds replicate market indices, actively managed funds can outperform due to the expertise of fund managers. Actively managed funds are adaptable and can capitalize on market opportunities, offering potentially higher returns.

Direct vs. Regular Funds
Direct funds have lower expense ratios but require active management and market knowledge. Regular funds, managed through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD), provide professional guidance and can be beneficial for informed decision-making.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances change, so periodic reviews ensure your investments remain optimal.

Conclusion
To achieve your financial goals, increase your monthly SIP to Rs. 30,000 with a well-diversified portfolio. Focus on goal-based investments and consider professional guidance for effective fund management.

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 Oct 29, 2025

Money
Hello.... My take home salary is around 1.30 lpm.... I have recently started SIPs for about 25k across 4 funds (grossing about 3lakhs and SGB of about 3 lakhs as of now).... I have a land worth 40 lakhs (No ost loan)... A house worth 80lk out of which 45 lk is on loan... Apart from this I have about 9 lk savings (Invested across FDs and SB). I want to invest about 20k-25k monthly other than SIPs. Could you please advice where should I be investing?
Ans: You have done a great job building a strong foundation. A take-home salary of around Rs 1.30 lakh per month and disciplined SIPs of Rs 25,000 show your clarity and commitment. You already hold a diversified base—mutual funds, SGBs, FDs, and property. This is a solid start toward long-term wealth creation.

Your intention to invest another Rs 20,000–25,000 every month is wise. It shows you are serious about growing your money strategically. Let’s assess your current setup and plan where the next rupee should go for balanced growth and safety.

» Understanding your current financial picture
Your portfolio already reflects a good asset spread. You have:
– Mutual funds worth around Rs 3 lakh through SIPs.
– Sovereign Gold Bonds worth Rs 3 lakh.
– Land valued at Rs 40 lakh.
– A self-occupied house worth Rs 80 lakh (with Rs 45 lakh loan).
– Bank and FD savings of around Rs 9 lakh.

This indicates strong asset creation in both real and financial forms. However, most of your net worth is in illiquid assets like land and house. So, your next set of investments should focus on liquidity, flexibility, and growth.

» Importance of building liquidity before adding risk
Many investors skip building adequate liquidity. You already have Rs 9 lakh in FDs and savings. That’s positive. Still, ensure you maintain at least six months of your expenses in a liquid fund or savings account.

This gives you flexibility and protects your mutual funds during emergencies. Once you’re confident about liquidity, you can move the rest toward wealth-building instruments.

» Evaluating your debt situation and cash flow
Your home loan is Rs 45 lakh. The EMI is likely a significant monthly outflow. If your interest rate is high, partial prepayment every 2–3 years can save you huge interest. But don’t rush to close the loan fully. Balancing between investments and partial loan reduction gives better flexibility.

Debt repayment is risk-free return, but equity investments create long-term wealth. Keeping both in balance is the smart path.

» Setting clear goals before choosing investments
Before deciding where to invest the extra Rs 20,000–25,000 per month, think about your goals. Each rupee should have a purpose.

Ask yourself:
– Are you investing for early retirement?
– Children’s higher education or marriage?
– Financial freedom or passive income?

When each goal has a time frame, the right asset allocation becomes clear.

» Ideal direction for your new monthly investments
Since you already have SIPs of Rs 25,000 running, adding another Rs 20,000–25,000 should be diversified further but not scattered. Avoid adding too many schemes. Instead, strengthen existing categories.

Here’s a structured approach:

– Around 40% (Rs 8,000–10,000) into long-term equity mutual funds for wealth creation.
– Around 30% (Rs 6,000–7,000) into hybrid or balanced advantage mutual funds for stability.
– Around 20% (Rs 4,000–5,000) into short-term debt or liquid funds for medium-term goals.
– Around 10% (Rs 2,000–3,000) into SGB or gold funds for diversification.

This balanced approach covers growth, stability, and liquidity.

» Why continuing with actively managed mutual funds is better
Many investors get attracted to index funds or ETFs because of low costs. But index funds simply copy the market and cannot protect during downturns. They rise and fall with the index, offering no flexibility.

Actively managed funds have professional managers who can shift across sectors and stocks. This flexibility helps manage risks and improve returns over time.

So, continue with actively managed diversified equity mutual funds through your Certified Financial Planner. This path ensures ongoing review and professional guidance.

» Why to prefer regular mutual funds through CFP channel
Direct mutual funds look cheaper but lack expert review and emotional discipline. Most investors in direct plans make unplanned redemptions, reducing their long-term gains.

Regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner come with periodic reviews, risk assessment, and rebalancing support. This personalized guidance helps avoid mistakes and ensures long-term growth.

The small distribution cost is worth the professional monitoring you receive.

» Evaluating your gold exposure through SGB
Your SGB holdings of Rs 3 lakh already provide diversification. Gold acts as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. However, don’t overinvest in gold. Keeping around 10–15% in gold is ideal.

Avoid adding more unless your portfolio equity portion grows much larger. Gold is for protection, not high growth.

» Strengthening your debt portfolio
Debt funds provide stability and predictable returns. Instead of keeping all money in FDs, start using short-term debt or ultra-short-term mutual funds. They are more tax-efficient and flexible.

Since FDs interest is taxed at your slab rate, shifting part of it to mutual fund debt category can save tax and improve liquidity. For short-term goals (less than 3 years), such funds are excellent.

» Creating a core and satellite investment structure
To simplify decisions, divide your portfolio into two parts:

– Core portfolio: Stable, long-term investments like diversified equity mutual funds, hybrid funds, and SGBs. These are for wealth creation.
– Satellite portfolio: Flexible investments like short-term debt funds, liquid funds, or special opportunity funds. These are for tactical moves or short-term goals.

This helps balance long-term growth and short-term flexibility.

» How to plan for your home loan
Since you already have a house loan, compare the loan rate with expected investment return. If the rate is below 9%, continue regular EMIs and let investments grow. If it is above 9%, partial prepayment using annual bonuses can be considered.

However, don’t divert all your surplus only toward loan closure. Wealth grows faster when you invest early and let compounding work.

» Importance of having proper insurance cover
Before increasing your investments, ensure your protection foundation is solid.
You should have:
– Term life insurance covering at least 12–15 times your annual income.
– Comprehensive health insurance for the family (beyond employer cover).

Insurance is a shield that prevents wealth erosion. It supports your family and ensures your investments stay intact.

» How to invest your additional Rs 20,000–25,000 systematically
Instead of investing a lump sum every few months, start a monthly SIP for this amount. This brings discipline and rupee cost averaging.

If you prefer flexibility, divide into:
– Rs 10,000–12,000 SIP in equity mutual funds (growth focus).
– Rs 6,000–8,000 SIP in hybrid funds (stability focus).
– Rs 4,000–5,000 SIP in short-term or liquid funds (liquidity focus).

This gives you growth, balance, and accessibility all together.

» Importance of goal mapping and review
Once you start new SIPs, track them with your Certified Financial Planner annually. Every 12 months, review performance, rebalance asset allocation, and match it to your goals.

This ongoing assessment ensures you stay aligned with your financial plan even when markets fluctuate.

» Avoid mixing insurance and investment
If you hold any LIC endowment, ULIP, or investment-linked insurance plans, review them. They usually give low returns and high charges.

Surrendering such policies (if suitable) and redirecting that money into mutual funds can improve your returns significantly. Pure term insurance plus separate investment is always more effective.

» Tax efficiency and planning
Always keep taxation in mind while planning your investments.
– Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh in a year is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your slab.

This makes mutual funds more tax-efficient than FDs or recurring deposits. Over long periods, this difference compounds greatly.

» Emergency fund and short-term reserves
You already have Rs 9 lakh in FDs and savings. Keep at least 6–12 months’ expenses aside. If you are married, cover your spouse’s health and future cash flow too.

Avoid mixing emergency funds with long-term investments. Liquidity gives peace of mind during uncertain times.

» Behavioural discipline during market volatility
Market ups and downs are normal. Don’t stop SIPs or withdraw out of fear. Continue investments even during corrections. That’s when you buy more units at lower prices.

Your patience and discipline are your biggest assets in wealth creation.

» Power of compounding through time
You are in your peak earning years. The next 15–20 years are crucial. If you keep investing Rs 45,000–50,000 every month consistently, you can build massive wealth by retirement.

Compounding needs time and consistency. Avoid frequent changes. Stay invested with long-term commitment.

» Why a Certified Financial Planner adds value
A Certified Financial Planner helps you design a 360-degree plan covering cash flow, risk cover, tax, retirement, and investments.

They review your portfolio annually, align it with life goals, and ensure balanced risk exposure. They also bring behavioural discipline, which often makes the biggest difference.

» Finally
You have made a strong start with your investments, real estate, and savings. The next step is to structure your new Rs 20,000–25,000 per month in a well-diversified way.

– Continue your existing SIPs in actively managed mutual funds.
– Add new SIPs in hybrid and short-term funds for balance.
– Maintain liquidity through emergency reserves.
– Strengthen insurance and protection cover.
– Review annually with a Certified Financial Planner.

This 360-degree approach will bring steady growth, financial security, and long-term freedom. You are on the right track. Continue your discipline and let time and compounding do their magic.

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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