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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 13, 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 - Jun 13, 2025
Money

Hi Dev, I am 26 and currently starting SIP 9 months ago . Nippon small cap -2k Quant small cap -3.3k Bandhan small cap - 2k Motilal Midcap - 2.5k Sbi long term equity - 2k Sbi psu - 50k lumpsum Could you please suggest portfolio allocation and if I want to increase my from 13300 to 40000

Ans: You are only 26, and already investing consistently. That’s a solid beginning. Now you plan to grow SIPs from Rs. 13,300 to Rs. 40,000 monthly. Let us review your current allocation, assess the gaps, and build a 360-degree plan.

Present SIP Allocation Overview
Your present SIP is Rs. 13,300. It is split as follows:

Small Cap Funds: Rs. 7,300

Mid Cap Fund: Rs. 2,500

ELSS (Tax Saver): Rs. 2,000

PSU Fund: Rs. 50,000 lump sum

This structure gives heavy tilt towards small cap. Small caps are high-growth. But they are also volatile. Long term vision is needed.

Allocation Insights
Here is a fund-type wise summary:

Small Cap Exposure
Almost 55% of SIPs are in small caps. Too much for your age.
These funds may perform well over 8–10 years. But very risky short term.
You must reduce weight here while expanding.

Mid Cap Exposure
Currently at Rs. 2,500. Needs more space in your portfolio.
Mid caps provide balance between growth and risk.

ELSS (Tax Saving Fund)
Good to see tax planning started. Continue this for Section 80C.
You can keep it around 15–20% of your total SIPs.

PSU Sectoral Fund (Lumpsum)
Sector funds are risky. This is a concentrated bet.
Do not increase further allocation here. Hold it. Watch for 5 years.
Sector cycles change. Avoid SIPs in sector funds.

Proposed Monthly Allocation: Rs. 40,000
Now, if we shift to Rs. 40,000 monthly, suggested allocation is:

Large Cap Diversified Fund – Rs. 10,000
Offers stability. Ideal for cushioning volatility.
Actively managed funds outperform index in India.

Flexi Cap Fund – Rs. 8,000
Flexibility to shift across market caps. Gives balance.
Useful when economy cycles change.

Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 6,000
Increase from current Rs. 2,500. Mid caps need higher allocation.
Gives steady long-term returns.

Small Cap Fund – Rs. 6,000
Reduce this slightly from current exposure.
Keep only 15% of overall SIP here. Too high will increase risk.

ELSS Fund (Tax Saver) – Rs. 6,000
Increase from Rs. 2,000. Tax benefit continues under Sec 80C.
You can split this in two funds if needed.

Balanced Advantage Fund (BAF) – Rs. 4,000
Hybrid fund reduces volatility. Good to hold during market corrections.
Useful to smoothen your wealth journey.

Why Not Index Funds?
Index funds look simple. But they have issues.

They copy the index. No strategy. No downside control.

Index has no exit plan during crisis.

No outperformance. Just passive returns.

In India, many active funds have beaten the index.

So, at your age, active funds are better. They are managed with skill.

Why Not Direct Plans?
Many go for direct plans to save 1% commission. But that’s risky.

No guidance from a qualified CFP.

No help during market panic.

You may exit at the wrong time.

You miss rebalancing help.

Regular plans through CFP-backed MFDs offer personalised care.

That 1% cost gives long-term stability and discipline.

Insurance Check
You did not mention term insurance. If you have dependents, take Rs. 1 crore.
Avoid ULIPs, LIC plans or endowments.
If already holding them, consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds.

Emergency Fund Planning
Build emergency fund equal to 6 months of expenses.
Keep this in liquid mutual fund or sweep-in FD.
This gives you peace of mind and avoids sudden loan needs.

Tax Saving and Filing
Continue ELSS SIPs. They offer tax deduction under 80C.
Combine this with EPF if you are salaried.
Always file ITR even if income is below taxable level.
It builds your credit and helps in future loans.

PPF Consideration
If you want assured returns, continue PPF too.
But don’t lock all money in debt.
Keep PPF limited to Rs. 50,000 yearly if mutual funds are doing well.
Use SIPs as primary engine for wealth.

Monitor Your Investments
Track your investments every 6 months.
Avoid checking NAV daily. That leads to panic.
Stick to long term vision.
Rebalance once a year with help of a Certified Financial Planner.

Debt Management
You did not mention any loans.
If you have education loan or personal loan, pay high interest ones first.
Don’t use credit card for investing.
Avoid EMIs for gadgets or lifestyle. Save first. Spend later.

Future Planning
Start SIPs for goals like:

Retirement – Even though you are 26, time is your friend.

House Downpayment – Avoid loans as much as possible.

Child Education – SIP for 15+ years gives compounding benefit.

International Travel – Plan it. Don’t swipe it.

Final Insights
Keep SIPs simple and balanced.

Avoid chasing returns in small caps only.

Take help from Certified Financial Planner. Not from social media tips.

Review portfolio with goals. Not market noise.

Invest in yourself. Read. Upskill. Income growth adds to wealth.

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 Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 08, 2023Hindi
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Dear Sir, I am 51 years old. I have been investing in SIP for 3 years and planning to invest for coming 7 years. My Present SIPs are Axis Blue Chip Fund Regular Growth @2000/- Axis Mid Cap Regular Growth @2000/- Mirae Asset Emerging Fund Regular @2000/- UTI Flexicap Fund Regular Growth @2000/-, HDFC TOP 100 Regular Growth @2000/-. Any advise for the portfolio.
Ans: Your current SIP portfolio appears well-diversified across different categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds, which is good for long-term wealth creation. Since you have a 7-year investment horizon, you may consider the following suggestions:

Review Asset Allocation: Ensure your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Since you're in your early 50s, you may want to tilt slightly towards more conservative options while still maintaining exposure to equities for growth potential.

Consider Adding Debt Funds: Given your age and investment horizon, consider adding debt funds to your portfolio to reduce overall risk. Debt funds can provide stability and income generation while complementing the growth potential of equity funds.

Regularly Monitor and Rebalance: Keep track of your portfolio's performance and periodically rebalance if needed to maintain your desired asset allocation. As you approach your investment goal, consider gradually shifting towards more conservative investments to protect your capital.

Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. They can help optimize your portfolio for better returns while managing risk effectively.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 13, 2025
Money
Hi Ramalingam, I am 26 and currently starting SIP 9 months ago . Nippon small cap -2k Quant small cap -3.3k Bandhan small cap - 2k Motilal Midcap - 2.5k Sbi long term equity - 2k Sbi psu - 50k lumpsum Could you please suggest portfolio allocation and if I want to increase my from 13300 to 40000
Ans: You are 26 years old and already doing SIPs. That shows your discipline and future readiness. Starting early builds wealth better over time. Investing Rs. 13,300 monthly and planning to raise it to Rs. 40,000 is smart. Let’s now look at your existing portfolio, assess the risks, and suggest a proper diversified structure.

We will offer a 360-degree solution that balances growth, stability, and future flexibility.

Your Current Portfolio Overview
Your current SIPs are in:

Nippon Small Cap Fund – Rs. 2,000

Quant Small Cap Fund – Rs. 3,300

Bandhan Small Cap Fund – Rs. 2,000

Motilal Midcap Fund – Rs. 2,500

SBI Long Term Equity (ELSS) – Rs. 2,000

Total SIP = Rs. 11,800
Lumpsum in SBI PSU = Rs. 50,000

This is a strong start. You are willing to take risk for long-term growth. But, there are a few important things to fix and improve.

Initial Observations – Risks and Gaps
Overexposure to Small Cap
You have three funds in small cap. That’s about 60% of SIP.
Small caps are volatile. They give good return, but only after 7–10 years.
Too much small cap can cause sharp losses in market correction.

Low Diversification
No allocation to large cap or flexi cap.
These are needed for balance and downside control.
You have only one midcap and one ELSS.

Single Midcap Fund
Midcap helps reduce sharp risk of small caps.
But having only one midcap limits your structure.

PSU Fund Lumpsum
Sectoral funds like PSU are risky.
They depend on government policy and economy cycles.
Don’t add more to this. Hold it, but don’t increase.

Correcting the Allocation
Let’s now divide the total Rs. 40,000 monthly SIP properly.
This will create better balance between growth and stability.

Suggested Allocation:

Large Cap Fund – Rs. 7,000

Flexi Cap Fund – Rs. 8,000

Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 6,000

Small Cap Fund – Rs. 7,000

ELSS Fund (Tax Saving) – Rs. 4,000

Multi-Asset or Hybrid Fund – Rs. 6,000

Total = Rs. 38,000 approx. Keep Rs. 2,000 spare for future increase.

This mix provides:

Stability with large caps

Growth from mid and small cap

Flexibility with flexi cap

Safety cushion with hybrid or multi-asset

Don’t select funds yourself.
Avoid direct funds even if expense ratio is low.
They don’t offer review, rebalancing, or correction.
Invest in regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor who is a Certified Financial Planner.
He will help you choose better performing funds and track progress regularly.

Why Reduce Small Cap Exposure
You have high small cap exposure now.
These funds show big returns sometimes. But also fall fast in bad cycles.

You must have small cap exposure. But limit it to 20%–25% of total SIP.
This keeps your portfolio healthy in all market cycles.

More small cap may look attractive now. But it causes worry in bear markets.

Add Large Cap and Flexi Cap
You are missing large cap completely.
These funds are stable, and invest in top 100 companies.

Flexi cap adds flexibility to shift between segments.
Fund managers move across small, mid, and large based on market trend.
This gives better return with less risk.

Both are must for young investors like you.

Add Hybrid or Multi-Asset Fund
You are 100% equity today.
That’s fine for your age, but not always best.
Diversification is needed.

Hybrid funds combine equity, debt, and gold in one scheme.
This helps control the risk. Especially during market fall.
Keep 15% in hybrid or multi-asset for safety.

Add ELSS for Tax Saving Purpose Only
SBI Long Term Equity is an ELSS fund.
These funds have 3-year lock-in.
Use them only if you need 80C tax saving.

If your Section 80C is already filled with PF, PPF, or insurance premium, then skip ELSS.

Otherwise, keep ELSS under Rs. 4,000 monthly.
Don’t use ELSS only for investment. Use it for dual purpose – tax saving and long-term wealth.

Keep Sectoral Fund Exposure Low
You have Rs. 50,000 in SBI PSU fund.
That’s a sectoral theme.

Sectoral funds are not for long-term SIP.
They work only in a specific market cycle.

Do not do SIP in any sector fund.
Do not add more lumpsum.
Hold this fund and track its performance every 6 months.

If it shows good profit after 3–4 years, you may redeem it.
Invest proceeds in diversified equity mutual fund instead.

Increase SIP Gradually
If Rs. 40,000 is not possible from next month, build gradually.

Use this step-up approach:

Next 3 months – Increase SIP to Rs. 20,000

After 6 months – Raise to Rs. 30,000

After 1 year – Reach Rs. 40,000

This prevents stress on your budget.
Also keeps your cash flow balanced.
But set this plan and stick to it.

Direct vs Regular – Choose Wisely
Never invest in direct funds without expert support.

Disadvantages of direct funds:

No guidance

No regular review

You choose based on returns, not suitability

Wrong fund choice can cause long-term damage

Regular funds cost a bit more, but that is for service and monitoring.
Work with an MFD who is also a Certified Financial Planner.

They know how to build goal-based portfolio.
They will also help in:

Goal mapping

Fund switching

Tax planning

Rebalancing in market ups and downs

This professional help is worth the small cost.

Don’t Go for Index Funds
You may think index funds are cheaper and simple.
But index funds come with key limitations.

Problems with index funds:

Blindly follow index stocks

No active decision in poor market

No risk control or rebalancing

You lose flexibility

Actively managed funds have better risk control.
Fund managers exit poor sectors or companies early.
This helps protect capital in falling markets.

So don’t choose index funds for long-term goals.

Tax Impact of Mutual Funds
Understand the tax on your investments.

Equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt funds and hybrid funds:

Both short and long term gains taxed as per income slab

Plan redemptions carefully.
Redeem in parts if needed to stay within tax-free limits.
Your Certified Financial Planner can guide better here.

Use SIPs for Future Goals
Plan your SIPs around your future goals.

Break your Rs. 40,000 SIP like this:

Retirement goal – Rs. 12,000

Home down payment after 10 years – Rs. 10,000

Wealth creation (flexible goal) – Rs. 8,000

Emergency fund through hybrid fund – Rs. 6,000

ELSS for tax saving – Rs. 4,000

This gives direction to your portfolio.
Also helps avoid early redemptions.
Goal mapping is important for discipline.

Monitor Portfolio Regularly
Review your funds every 6 months.
Track SIP performance and adjust if needed.
Switch non-performing funds.
Rebalance allocation if small caps rise too much.

Don’t wait 5 years to check returns.
Consistent monitoring ensures long-term success.

Avoid These Common Mistakes
Don’t do SIP in 5 small cap funds

Don’t pick funds based on past returns only

Don’t invest in direct plans

Don’t withdraw SIP money unless goal is reached

Don’t mix tax saving and general investing unless necessary

Stick to a disciplined approach.
Don’t stop SIPs in bad market.
That’s when wealth is created.

Finally
You are on the right path. You have started early.
You are now ready to increase SIP from Rs. 13,300 to Rs. 40,000.

But structure is more important than size.
Build a diversified portfolio across categories.
Avoid overexposure to small cap or sector funds.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner.
Don’t invest in direct funds or index funds.
Review your SIPs and rebalance regularly.

This approach will build strong, lasting wealth.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 13, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Hemanth, I am 26 and currently starting SIP 9 months ago . Nippon small cap -2k Quant small cap -3.3k Bandhan small cap - 2k Motilal Midcap - 2.5k Sbi long term equity - 2k Sbi psu - 50k lumpsum Could you please suggest portfolio allocation and if I want to increase my from 13300 to 40000
Ans: I see you're a disciplined saver, Hemanth. You invest Rs 13,300 monthly across small?cap, mid?cap, and PSU equity. That shows strong growth intent. You now want to increase this to Rs 40,000. Let me provide you a full 360° action plan with deeper insights.

Assessing Your Current Portfolio Structure
You already invest in small?cap funds (two of them).

You hold a mid?cap fund and a long?term equity fund.

You made a large lumpsum in PSU equity fund.

Overall, most is in high?risk funds.

Exposure to mid and small caps is heavy.

That can bring severe swings in short time.

But higher risk often leads to higher long?term returns.

Your age (26) allows aggressive risk.

Yet, it's wise to diversify and balance.

Defining Your Investment Goals
What goals do you plan for using this money?

Retirement, home, travel, or buying car?

Also consider time horizon: 5 years, 10 years?

Clear goals improve strategy and fund selection.

Let me assume long?term horizons (7+ years).

That fits your current fund style well.

Importance of Diversification
Right now, your equity allocation is skewed.

Small and mid caps dominate your portfolio.

That may lead to high volatility.

Consider adding safer equity categories.

Diversification reduces risk and smoothens returns.

Recommended Portfolio Allocation for Rs?13,300
Let us review your current corpus:

Small Cap A: Rs?2,000

Small Cap B: Rs?3,300

Mid Cap: Rs?2,000

Long?term equity: Rs?2,500

PSU Equity (lump sum): Rs?50,000 one time

Total monthly SIP: Rs?10,000

Current allocation by category (approx):

Small?cap: ~41%

Mid?cap: ~15%

Large?cap / long?term equity: ~25%

PSU equity (one?off): ~19%

Rebalancing Your Current Investments
Because small and mid cap exposure is high, do partial adjustments:

Reduce SIPs in small?cap funds gradually
Move exposures to safer categories over 6–12 months.

Add large?cap equity exposure
Large caps give stability and visible returns.

Include hybrid or balanced funds
Helps reduce overall volatility.

Keep existing PSU equity if conviction remains
But don't increase it further unless view on PSU is strong.

Fund Categories to Add
1. Large?Cap Equity Funds

Invests in top 100 companies.

Lower volatility than small / mid caps.

Good for steady wealth accumulation.

2. Aggressive Hybrid Funds

Mix of ~70% equity and ~30% debt.

Provides partial downside cushion.

Helps reduce overall portfolio swings.

3. Flexi?Cap / Multi?Asset Funds

Manager can rotate among equity, debt, gold.

Good for balanced yet equity?oriented growth.

Helps manage risk across cycles.

4. Short?Term Debt or Low?Duration Funds

To balance equity risk.

Provide liquidity and safety.

Essential in case you need money soon.

Suggested Monthly Allocation for Rs?40,000
Let us allocate the increased amount smartly to meet long?term goals:

Rs?10,000 → existing small?cap funds (reduce slowly later)

Rs?5,000 → mid?cap fund

Rs?8,000 → large?cap equity fund

Rs?7,000 → aggressive hybrid fund

Rs?5,000 → flexi?cap or multi?asset fund

Rs?3,000 → short?term debt fund

Rs?2,000 → gold ETF (only for hedging)

This totals Rs?40,000. Now your portfolio is more balanced while growth?oriented.

Why Include These Categories
Large?Cap Equity

Offers stability and steady growth.

Helps cushion extreme volatility.

Large companies often beat the market in downturns.

Aggressive Hybrid

Balanced equity and debt mix.

Reduces sharp equity fall?downs.

Good choice for moderately risky investors.

Flexi?Cap / Multi?Asset

Adaptive allocation reduces manual switching.

Helps you stay steady in changing markets.

You get equity upside and debt protection.

Short?Term Debt

Acts as portfolio cushion.

Useful for emergencies or goal nearing timeframe.

Adds predictability to returns.

Gold ETF (small portion)

Gold acts as inflation hedge.

Helps when equity market falls.

But gold gives no dividend, no interest.

So keep it small to avoid drag.

Dangers of Index Funds
I note you did not use index funds. That is smart:

Index funds simply replicate index. No active oversight.

They offer no manager to exit before fall.

No real strategy to protect capital.

Actively managed funds help preserve value.

Experiencing high return or rapid recovery is higher.

So we favour actively managed funds throughout.

Risks in Direct Plans
If you invest through direct plans:

Costs are lower, but no support for advice.

You may pick wrong funds unknowingly.

No regular fund reviews happen.

CFP?backed MFD ensures rebalancing and monitoring.

Mistakes are common in self?managed portfolios.

So regular plan with CFP is ideal for you.

Managing the Lump Sum in PSU Equity
You invested Rs?50,000 lump sum recently:

PSU funds can be volatile based on economic cycles.

If you believe in PSU growth potential, hold it.

Else, you may consider gradual exit or redistribution.

Balance with new categories as your SIPs start.

Tax Planning Considerations
Equity funds hold beyond 1 year, gives LTCG.

LTCG above Rs?1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG (under 1 year) taxed at 20%.

Debt funds taxed as per your income slab.

SIPs have staggered entries, manage tax per unit.

Try to redeem older units first to reduce STCG.

A CFP?backed MFD helps with tax?efficient exits.

Rebalancing and Monitoring
Review portfolio every 6–12 months.

Check if large?cap or debt part needs increase.

If small?cap grows too big, reduce it.

Rebalance using switch method, not redemption.

Keeps allocation aligned with goals and risk.

Keep SIP Discipline Through Downturns
Equity market declines are normal.

SIPs during fall give good buying opportunities.

Do not stop SIP due to market fear.

Stop only if you lose employment or face emergencies.

Continue investing steadily for superior results.

Insurance and Emergency Backup
Ensure you have adequate term insurance.

No need for ULIP or endowment plans.

You hold emergency fund; that's good.

Maintain it; avoid breaking it for SIP.

Final Insights
Your journey shows strong intent and intention.
By adding stable categories, you deepen portfolio resilience.
A smart mix of large?cap, hybrid, flexi?cap, debt, gold ETF gives balance.
Stay disciplined, review regularly, adjust allocations as needed.
Use CFP?backed regular funds for expert guidance and taxes.
Avoid index funds, direct plans and annuities.
Let your disciplined SIP grow into a well?balanced wealth engine.
Continue goal planning and align fund mix with horizon.
Your growth phase now needs smart foundation.
You are building strong financial habits—keep going.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 13, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, I am 26 and currently starting SIP 9 months ago . Nippon small cap -2k Quant small cap -3.3k Bandhan small cap - 2k Motilal Midcap - 2.5k Sbi long term equity - 2k Sbi psu - 50k lumpsum Could you please suggest portfolio allocation and if I want to increase my from 13300 to 40000
Ans: You have already shown intent and discipline by starting SIPs nine months ago. That is excellent. Let me offer a full 360?degree plan to structure your portfolio better and guide you to raise your monthly investment from Rs.?13,300 to Rs.?40,000.

Current Portfolio Assessment
You have SIPs in small and mid?cap funds since nine months.

You also invested a Rs.?50k lump sum in PSU?oriented equity.

Your total monthly SIP is Rs.?13,300.

You have no mention of other financial goals or asset classes.

You are still building your long?term equity corpus.

Good start, but need balanced allocation to manage risk and growth together.

Investment Objective Clarity
Before increasing SIP, clarify your goals:

Are you investing for goals like marriage, house, retirement?

What is your time horizon for each goal?

Are you comfortable with volatility of small?midcap funds?

Defining goals ensures allocation matches need and risk appetite.

Risk and Time Horizon Evaluation
At age 26, you have a long time horizon. But small?cap and mid?cap funds are high risk.

Small?cap funds can have sharp ups and downs.

Mid?cap adds slight stability but still has volatility.

Diversifying across large?cap or multi?cap funds helps.

Actively managed large?cap funds can cushion downside.

Avoid index funds as they lack downside protection during drops.

Ideal Equity Allocation Strategy
To build a resilient portfolio, aim for:

Large?cap focused fund (actively managed) – For stability.

Multi?cap or thematic equity fund (actively managed) – For balanced growth.

Mid?cap fund – For growth potential plus caution.

Small?cap fund – For higher growth but limited risk exposure.

PSU?oriented equity fund – For niche exposure and diversification.

This gives you a risk?adjusted and well?diversified equity investment structure.

Proposed Monthly Investment Allocation
You want to raise SIP to Rs.?40,000. Here is a balanced structure:

Large?cap actively managed fund: Rs.?12,000

Multi?cap actively managed fund: Rs.?8,000

Mid?cap fund: Rs.?8,000

Small?cap fund: Rs.?6,000

PSU?oriented fund: Rs.?6,000

This totals Rs.?40,000 and allocates across segments.

Existing SIP Adjustment
You currently invest in four schemes. Here's how to blend them:

Continue small?cap SIPs: Nippon & Quant totaling Rs.?5,300.

Keep mid?cap SIP at Rs.?2,500.

Gradually reduce PSU lumpsum exposure and switch surplus tactically.

Add new large?cap and multi?cap entries.

Adjust allocations monthly to match target mix.

Step?by?Step Implementation Plan
Start new SIPs gradually:

Begin large?cap (Rs.?4,000) and multi?cap (Rs.?3,000).

Increase them monthly by Rs.?1,000 each until target.

Rebalance existing SIPs:

Continue small?cap equity with reduced increments spread over both schemes.

Cap new mid?cap top-ups to keep allocation in check.

Manage PSU fund:

Invest Rs.?6,000 monthly if you trust this theme and risk.

If not confident, convert lump sum to equity or hybrid as per risk strategy.

Monitor performance quarterly:

Check portfolio risk and returns with Certified Financial Planner.

Adjust SIPs to recast allocation back to target mix.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Active large?cap funds aim to limit losses during falls.

Active multi?cap funds provide dynamic allocations across caps.

They can adapt to changing market trends.

Index funds lack such agility and personalised risk control.

Passive funds do not perform regular fund?house evaluations.

Risk Management and Volatility Control
Keep small?cap allocation within 15–20% of total equity.

Diversify across sectors and fund houses.

Review asset allocation every 6 months.

Shift equity mix if market outlook changes or goal timing nears.

Tax Efficiency and Withdrawal Planning
When you invest more, tax planning becomes key.

Equity gains taxed at 12.5% above Rs.?1.25?lakh per year.

Short?term gains at 20% plus cess.

Plan redemptions over multiple years to manage tax liability.

Portfolio Goal Matching and Timeline
Define goals and match portfolios:

Short?Term Goal (1–3 years)

Use liquid funds or ultra?short?term debt for stability.

Avoid equity for short timelines.

Medium?Term Goal (3–7 years)

Rely on mid?cap and active hybrid funds.

Begin allocations in second stage of SIP increase.

Long?Term Goal (7+ years)

Focus on large?cap, multi?cap, and small?cap funds.

These grow your corpus for retirement, parenthood, house purchase.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity
Even with higher SIP, keep Rs.?2–3 lakh in an emergency account or liquid fund.
This prevents withdrawal from equity during urgent needs.
It also supports goal discipline and protects investment trajectory.

Review and Course Correction
Perform bi?annual reviews to check progress.

Realign SIPs and fund selection based on performance.

Consult Certified Financial Planner before making big changes.

Use professional guidance for tax?efficient redemptions and goal planning.

Additional Equity Alternatives
If suitable, consider:

Active sector/thematic funds in small proportion (5–10%).

These can boost returns but carry higher risk.

Only use with proper guidance and no more than 5% total corpus.

Final Insights
You have taken first steps with existing SIPs. Excellent! Now align them into a more balanced, risk?adjusted structure:

Start actively managed large?cap & multi?cap SIPs.

Continue small and mid?cap within risk limits.

Adjust PSU exposure tactically.

Build total monthly SIP of Rs.?40,000.

Keep liquidity intact and protect via an emergency buffer.

Review allocations and goal mapping with Certified Financial Planner regularly.

Avoid index funds and direct plans lacking professional oversight.

This disciplined, diversified, and goal?oriented plan will give you strong equity growth with a cushion against risks. Strong consistency over years builds impressive wealth.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 13, 2025
Money
Hi Jinal, I am 26 and currently starting SIP 9 months ago . Nippon small cap -2k Quant small cap -3.3k Bandhan small cap - 2k Motilal Midcap - 2.5k Sbi long term equity - 2k Sbi psu - 50k lumpsum Could you please suggest portfolio allocation and if I want to increase my from 13300 to 40000
Ans: At 26, you are off to a good start. You have taken initiative early. That itself is a big advantage. You have built a solid base with Rs. 13,300 SIP and Rs. 50,000 lump sum. Now you are planning to scale it to Rs. 40,000 SIP monthly. Let us build a complete 360-degree strategy to match that.

Analysing Your Current Portfolio
You are currently investing in:

3 Small Cap funds – Rs. 7,300

1 Mid Cap fund – Rs. 2,500

1 ELSS (Tax Saver) – Rs. 2,000

1 PSU thematic fund – Rs. 50,000 lump sum

Small Cap Overexposure
Small caps are high risk and high return.

55% of your SIP is into small caps now.

At 26, risk-taking is fine, but too much can backfire.

Small caps are also more volatile than other equity categories.

Mid Cap Underrepresented
Only Rs. 2,500 is allocated.

Mid caps balance risk and return.

They suit your age better than overloading on small caps.

PSU Fund Caution
Thematic PSU funds are not for long-term SIPs.

They work better for short bursts or tactical allocations.

Do not increase this further.

ELSS for Tax Saving
A good move for 80C benefit.

Continue with one ELSS.

No need for more tax-savers.

Ideal Asset Allocation for Rs. 40,000 SIP
We now restructure your Rs. 40,000 SIP goal.

Recommended Category-Wise Split
Large & Flexi Cap: Rs. 13,000 (33%)

Mid Cap: Rs. 9,000 (22%)

Small Cap: Rs. 7,000 (18%)

Multi Asset / Balanced Advantage: Rs. 6,000 (15%)

ELSS (Tax saving): Rs. 2,000 (5%)

Thematic (Optional): Rs. 3,000 (7%)

You are building long-term wealth. So diversification is important.

Why Include Large/Flexi Cap Funds
They are less volatile than small/mid caps.

They include India’s top companies.

Help maintain portfolio stability in tough times.

Why Mid Cap Allocation Should Rise
Mid caps offer strong long-term compounding.

They provide better balance than small caps.

You are young, so 20–25% is suitable.

Why Balanced Advantage/Multi Asset
These funds bring stability during corrections.

They auto-shift between equity and debt.

Ideal for mental peace and smoother growth.

ELSS – Already Covered
You are investing Rs. 2,000 here.

That is fine for tax planning now.

No need to increase unless Section 80C not fully used.

Avoid More in PSU Fund
Thematic funds are risky and cyclical.

Limit to Rs. 50,000 already invested.

Do not SIP further in this theme.

Suggested Fund Types to Add
Please do not go for direct plans.

Direct funds may seem to save cost.

But they offer no guidance or review.

Regular funds through a CFP-backed MFD ensure discipline.

You also get behavioural support during market volatility.

Always value long-term performance, not short-term low cost.

Avoid index funds.

Index funds cannot beat the market.

They follow the market blindly.

They do not react to bad sectors or poor quality companies.

Actively managed funds adapt better.

Skilled fund managers give better downside protection.

So always prefer good regular active funds. Let a Certified Financial Planner guide fund selection.

Additional Wealth Creation Tips
Now let us think beyond SIP.

Build Emergency Fund
Keep at least 6 months expenses aside.

Use bank RD or short-term mutual fund for this.

This avoids stopping SIP during crisis.

Review Insurance Policies
You are 26 now.

Take a Rs. 1 crore term insurance if not already done.

No need for money-back or endowment plans.

If you have LIC, ULIP, or mixed plans, exit them smartly.

Reinvest in mutual funds instead.

Boost PPF Annually
PPF gives fixed tax-free returns.

Good for conservative allocation.

You can keep Rs. 5,000 monthly if goal is far.

Avoid Real Estate for Now
Property locks your money.

No liquidity.

High costs and low rental yield.

Mutual funds give better return with more flexibility.

Portfolio Review Strategy
Review SIP performance every year.

Use Certified Financial Planner for regular monitoring.

Rebalance if small cap rises too much.

Track goal progress – not just fund return.

Do not keep switching funds too often.

How to Scale from Rs. 13,300 to Rs. 40,000
Increase in steps. Not in one jump.

Step-Up Plan:
Month 1: Increase to Rs. 20,000

Month 4: Increase to Rs. 30,000

Month 7: Raise to Rs. 40,000

This keeps it comfortable for you.

If salary increases or expenses reduce, accelerate faster.

Retirement and Long-Term Goal Preparation
You are 26 now. Retirement is 34 years away.

Use this time wisely.

A Rs. 40,000 SIP with step-ups every 2–3 years can create huge wealth.

But stay invested for 15+ years.

Avoid stopping during market corrections.

Power of compounding works best when uninterrupted.

Final Insights
You are already thinking 10 years ahead. That itself is a strength.

Continue SIP discipline every month.

Add large and balanced funds to reduce portfolio risk.

Avoid increasing in small or thematic funds.

Choose active regular plans via trusted CFP-led MFD only.

Stay away from direct funds and index funds.

Slowly scale SIPs to Rs. 40,000 in a planned way.

Review performance annually. Don’t check returns monthly.

Keep your insurance and emergency fund updated.

Let every rupee you earn have a clear job to do.

This 360-degree approach will help you grow faster and safer.

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

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Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Money
Hello, I am 36 years old and would like to retire by 46 years of age. I have no loans/debts and I am earning 90k per month. My current portfolio is as below, 1. First SIP: I am investing 5000 SIP in last 6.5 years, current investment is 390000 and total return 690000 with 17.5% CAGR. 2. 2nd SIP: Investing 3000 SIP in last 5 years, current investment is 177000 and total return 271000 with 17.65% CAGR 3. 3rd SIP: Investing 5000 SIP in last 2.2 years, current investment is 130000 and total return 151000 with 15.8% CAGR 4. 4th SIP: Investing 8000 SIP in last 4.5 years, current investment is 432000 and total return 531000 with 12.15% CAGR 5. 5th SIP: Investing 33000 SIP in last 1.5 years, current investment is 589000 and total return 621000 with 8.56% CAGR 6. 1000 Rs SIP in PPF 7. 2000 Rs SIP in SSY 8. 4000 Rs SIP in NPS tier-1 9. 140000 Rs in Liquid fund 10. 280000 Rs in Direct stocks my current monthly expense is around 26000. I have two kids, one studying 1st standard. I expect My Retirement corpus at age 46 is 2.5 Cr. Is it possible? Can i achieve this goal at my age 46 with continuing my current SIP?. or can i add more SIP to achieve this goal? Kindly review my portfolio, and if anything i need to change please let me know.
Ans: You’ve already built a solid foundation. At 36, aiming to retire by 46 is an ambitious goal. It is not impossible, but it needs strong planning. Let’s assess from all angles and offer you a full-circle solution.

Your Income and Savings Pattern

Your income of Rs. 90,000 per month is being managed well.

Your household expense of Rs. 26,000 is modest.

That gives you high savings potential.

This reflects great discipline. Very few maintain this ratio.

Your SIPs and savings are using your surplus effectively.

Continue to avoid loans. That gives your savings strong power.

Review of Your Mutual Fund SIPs

You have 5 SIPs running. Let’s look at them one by one.

First SIP of Rs. 5000 has completed 6.5 years.

Very strong CAGR of 17.5%.

You must continue this. Long-term compounding is helping you here.

Second SIP of Rs. 3000 for 5 years.

17.65% return. Very healthy.

Maintain this SIP without changes.

Third SIP of Rs. 5000 for 2.2 years.

Return of 15.8%. Acceptable for this tenure.

You must give it time to perform.

Fourth SIP of Rs. 8000 for 4.5 years.

CAGR of 12.15% is decent.

Slightly low, but still okay for mid-term horizon.

Fifth SIP of Rs. 33,000 for 1.5 years.

Return of 8.56% is below expectation.

This is short tenure. Stay invested. Don't judge it early.

Avoid switching or stopping now.

All these SIPs are in growth mode. Your discipline is excellent. The only issue is fund selection. You may be investing in direct funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Funds

If your funds are “Direct”, there are some concerns.

No ongoing review by Certified Financial Planner.

You may miss fund rating downgrades.

Risk-reward alignment may not be proper.

Fund may underperform and you won't know when to exit.

No guidance for portfolio rebalancing.

You must consider shifting to regular plans. Choose an MFD backed by a Certified Financial Planner. Regular plans give ongoing support. Guidance will be personalised.

Why to Avoid Index Funds

Though index funds sound attractive, there are key drawbacks.

They blindly follow index stocks. No flexibility.

In market fall, index funds fall equally. No downside protection.

Fund manager cannot shift to better sectors.

Index funds don’t have any active risk control.

Past 1-year index return is high, but not consistent.

Your current funds have delivered better return than most index funds. Continue with actively managed funds. Stay with good fund managers. Do not shift to index-based investing.

PPF, SSY, and NPS Contributions

Rs. 1000 SIP in PPF is fine.

Safe and tax-free. Continue for long term.

Rs. 2000 in SSY is helpful for daughter’s education or marriage.

Rs. 4000 in NPS Tier 1 helps save tax.

But, NPS has limited flexibility.

Withdrawals are partially locked till 60.

You can reduce NPS if early retirement is your target.

These 3 are low-risk. But, NPS restricts early access. If retiring at 46, NPS won’t help you fully. Consider shifting part to mutual funds over time.

Liquid Fund and Stock Holdings

Rs. 1.4 lakh in liquid fund gives you safety.

Maintain 6 months of expense as emergency.

You are on right path. This shows good planning.

Rs. 2.8 lakh in direct stocks.

Stock selection needs active monitoring.

Stocks are risky without deep research.

Prefer actively managed equity funds over stocks.

Equity mutual funds will give better diversification. Fund managers can handle the risk better.

Expense Management and Lifestyle Planning

Rs. 26,000 as monthly expense is very good.

You should build a buffer for future increase in expenses.

With 2 kids, school and college costs will rise sharply.

Plan for child’s education goals separately from retirement.

Allocate at least one SIP for that future cost.

Can You Reach Rs. 2.5 Crores by Age 46?

Let’s understand some key points.

You are investing Rs. 54,000 per month in SIPs.

Already accumulated Rs. 22 lakh in equity and liquid funds.

Retirement goal in 10 years is Rs. 2.5 crores.

With 12–13% return assumption, it can be possible. But, you need to:

Continue all SIPs without fail.

Increase SIPs by 10–12% yearly.

Avoid withdrawing from mutual funds before 46.

Review your portfolio every year.

Align SIPs to long-term funds with good past record.

You have strong habits. Stick to this path. Add more SIP as your income grows.

Things to Improve Immediately

Rebalance portfolio. Avoid overlapping in schemes.

Avoid having too many funds. 4 to 5 funds are enough.

Invest only in regular plans through Certified Financial Planner.

Don’t rely on online platforms alone. You need personalised advice.

Exit direct stocks gradually and reinvest in mutual funds.

Build a clear plan for child’s college cost.

Prepare a corpus drawdown plan for retirement at 46.

Don’t Ignore MF Tax Rules

You must be aware of latest mutual fund taxation:

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.

Track holding periods and fund types. Proper exit plan helps save tax.

Insurance and Protection Check

You didn’t mention any insurance. That is important.

Take term insurance of at least 15–20 times of annual income.

Buy personal health insurance too. Don’t rely only on company cover.

Any medical emergency can damage your investments.

Insurance is not investment. But protection is essential for early retirement.

Are You On Right Track?

Yes. You are on right path. But need fine-tuning. Some gaps to cover:

Direct fund exposure needs to be shifted to regular.

Stock investment risk needs to be lowered.

NPS flexibility issue must be addressed.

Retirement drawdown plan must be built now itself.

Keep lifestyle inflation in mind. That can reduce real return.

Final Insights

You have the potential to reach your Rs. 2.5 crore target.

But it needs strict discipline and smart adjustments.

Increase SIP slowly every year with income rise.

Track fund performance every 6 months.

Remove low-performing schemes regularly.

Engage with a Certified Financial Planner. That brings better accountability.

Protect your goals with proper term and health insurance.

By doing all these, early retirement is possible. And peaceful too.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8264 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
Sir, At 76800 ranking (94.89 percentile) in JEE Mains what is best option for me in CSAB round? Please also suggest best private college in this rank for B.Tech. in CSE. Thank you.
Ans: Prashant, With a JEE Main percentile of 94.89 (approximate All-India rank ~76,800), you qualify for Computer Science seats in several NITs/GFTIs during CSAB special rounds where closing ranks extend beyond 70,000. Institutions with 100% admission likelihood include NIT Mizoram CSE (OS closing ~81,277), NIT Uttarakhand CSE via extended rounds (OS closing ~100,172), NIT Goa CSE (OS closing ~60,264 with likely extension), and NIT Arunachal Pradesh CSE (OS closing ~42,376 now further rounds may go up to ~70,000). Among GFTIs, IIIT Una CSE and IIIT Jabalpur CSE typically close around 70–80 k in later rounds.

Top ten private engineering colleges in Northern India accommodating your rank include Amity University Noida (CSE cutoff ≤95th percentile), Chandigarh University (CUCET/JEE Main flexible policy), Galgotias College Greater Noida (CSE closing AI quota ~78,995), Sharda University Greater Noida (CSE cutoff ~60–80 k), O.P. Jindal University, Haryana (CSE cutoff ~50–70 k), Bennett University Noida (CSE cutoff ~50–75 k), BML Munjal University Gurugram, Manipal University Jaipur (CSE core), Lovely Professional University Jalandhar (CSE cutoff ~70–90 k), and VIT Bhopal (CSE cutoff ~50–80 k). All these institutes are AICTE-approved, hold relevant NBA/NAAC accreditations, feature modern computing labs, active industry partnerships for internships, and maintain consistent 80–95% placement support over the last three years.

Given assured CSAB admission and strong national branding, recommendation is to join NIT Mizoram CSE for core?NIT credentials and a reliable placement pipeline. As a private?college alternative with robust infrastructure and flexible entry policy, recommendation shifts to Amity University Noida CSE. For balanced academics, industry tie-ups and student life in Delhi NCR, consider Galgotias College of Engineering & Technology. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 21, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 38 years old , I have my own house, plus 2 flats worth Rs.2 crores. I have 15 lacs in stock and mutual funds. I have ongoing loan of 35 lakhs for home loan. Now i am planning to buy one more flats in my society which is bigger then I m living now and want to shift there. I just want to ask should i buy it to take one more home loan or sell off one flat and take this bigger one. I have no issue for emi as I have ongoing rent of rs 60 to 70k. I have some self saving apporox. 40 lakh and the flat is 1 crores so I will be needed approx 60 as home loan. Pls suggest I m little confused
Ans: You are 38 years old.
You own a house plus two flats worth Rs. 2 crores.
You have Rs. 15 lakhs in stocks and mutual funds.
You have Rs. 40 lakhs as self-savings.
You are paying EMI for a Rs. 35 lakh home loan.
You are getting rental income of Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000 monthly.
You are planning to buy a bigger flat worth Rs. 1 crore.
You are confused between taking a new home loan or selling one flat.
Let us now guide you in a detailed 360-degree manner.

First, Understand Your Current Asset Position
You already own 3 properties including your current home.

Their combined value is around Rs. 2 crores.

You have Rs. 15 lakhs in financial investments.

You have Rs. 40 lakhs in self-savings.

You have an ongoing Rs. 35 lakh home loan.

Your monthly rental income is strong.

Your age is just 38, you have time ahead.

This is a solid financial base.
But more real estate may not be a wise decision now.

Do Not Keep Increasing Real Estate Exposure
You already have 3 properties.

Buying one more adds to concentration risk.

Real estate is not a liquid asset.

It gives no monthly income unless rented.

Maintenance cost, tax, and legal issues can also increase.

Selling it in emergencies is difficult and slow.

Better to reduce real estate, and build financial assets.

Why You Want a Bigger Flat – Emotional or Financial?
Bigger house is good if family is growing.

But it should not hurt your future goals.

More house means more expenses.

You need more furniture, interiors, maintenance.

These hidden costs may hurt long-term savings.

You must balance comfort and financial health.

Option 1: Buy Bigger Flat Using Rs. 60L Loan
Pros:

You keep all 3 flats.

Your rental income continues.

You move to a more spacious home.

Cons:

One more loan increases your EMI burden.

Total loan becomes Rs. 95 lakhs (35 + 60).

You already have Rs. 70,000 EMI likely.

Additional Rs. 55,000–60,000 EMI will hurt liquidity.

Two loans will reduce your monthly surplus.

You already have Rs. 40 lakhs with you.

You will have to use it all to fund new flat.

Your emergency savings and financial investments will be zero.

That is not safe in the long term.

No financial cushion will remain for future.

Option 2: Sell One Flat and Upgrade
Pros:

You unlock money from an illiquid asset.

You reduce overall real estate exposure.

You reduce EMI stress by taking a smaller loan.

You may only need Rs. 20–25 lakh loan.

This EMI will be just Rs. 15,000–20,000.

You can keep your Rs. 40 lakhs savings.

You can reinvest Rs. 40 lakhs wisely in mutual funds.

This can build your child’s education and retirement corpus.

You also avoid high EMI stress.

Cons:

You lose one rental income source.

Property appreciation may stop on that unit.

Some emotional attachment to property may exist.

Ideal Recommendation – Sell One Flat, Shift to Bigger Flat
Don’t hold 3 flats just for feeling rich.

Selling one flat reduces EMI and risk.

It also improves cash flow for future investing.

Use your Rs. 40 lakhs partly for new flat.

Take small loan of Rs. 20–25 lakhs only.

This keeps EMI light.

You keep financial freedom and comfort.

Avoid Overexposing Yourself to Home Loans
You are already repaying one loan.

Don't take one more large loan.

It may be okay now, but future is uncertain.

You may face income drop, job change, or medical emergency.

EMI pressure can impact your peace of mind.

Also reduces your ability to invest monthly.

Big loans steal your ability to grow wealth.

Use Surplus to Build Mutual Fund Portfolio
Rs. 40 lakhs is a powerful amount.

Don’t exhaust it in property.

Keep Rs. 10 lakhs as emergency fund.

Invest Rs. 30 lakhs in mutual funds through STP.

Use mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds.

SIP monthly from STP over 18–24 months.

Use different fund categories for different goals.

Suggested Mutual Fund Strategy
For Retirement Goal:

Invest in Flexi Cap and Aggressive Hybrid Funds.

These give steady compounding over long term.

For Child Education (if applicable):

Use Flexi Cap and Large & Mid Cap Funds.

Also use Balanced Advantage for safer allocation.

For General Wealth Creation:

Use Aggressive Hybrid and Mid Cap Funds.

Keep STP in place from arbitrage or ultra-short funds.

Why Not to Use Direct Mutual Funds
Direct plans look cheaper.

But no one guides you when market falls.

You may stop SIP or withdraw at wrong time.

Regular plans via MFD with CFP offer safety.

They do review, rebalancing, and hand-holding.

Their service helps avoid costly mistakes.

Pay little more, but gain much more over years.

Why Not to Choose Index Funds
Index funds just follow index blindly.

No human decision-making.

No protection during crashes.

No smart exit or stock-level analysis.

Index funds are not meant for goal-based investing.

Active funds with good manager do better in India.

If You Hold LIC, ULIP or Endowment Plans
Check if any of your Rs. 15 lakhs is in such products.

Most of these give only 4%–5% returns.

They lock your money for years.

If no lock-in, surrender them.

Shift to mutual funds with proper guidance.

Take pure term insurance separately if needed.

Medical Cover is Not Enough
You have Rs. 10 lakhs health insurance.

Add top-up plan of Rs. 25–30 lakhs more.

Medical inflation is rising fast.

Hospital costs can cross Rs. 10 lakhs easily.

Better to be prepared now itself.

Keep Long-Term Investing Discipline
Do not stop SIPs during market correction.

Use goal-wise mutual fund tracking.

Increase SIP every year by 10% minimum.

Review your portfolio yearly.

Do not chase latest fund or trend.

Use CFP and MFD for regular help.

Finally
You already have large exposure in real estate.

Don’t increase it more.

Selling one flat and buying bigger one is wise.

Keep loan low and liquidity high.

Use remaining savings for wealth creation.

Don’t invest randomly in stock market.

Mutual funds are better with right guidance.

Don’t go for direct or index mutual funds.

Use regular plans through MFD with CFP support.

Stay on track with financial goals.

Don’t build more property, build more financial freedom.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 20, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir. I have been investing Rs. 1500/- per month in Post office RD since about 58 months with the tenure getting over in 2 months. I used to get a confirmation sms from Post Office department every month on investing. But the balance in the sms showed only the amount invested. Never did it show the amount with the interest or the interest on the amount invested. For example it shows only invested amount of Rs. 87000/-. Post Office RD interest is calculated quarterly. With changes on interest rate in last years how will I come to know about the interest earned every year? How to know how much interest I earned on my investmenst?
Ans: You are investing Rs 1500/month in Post Office RD for 60 months. The current balance shows only the total invested amount. You want to know how to check the total interest earned.

Let’s understand this clearly and solve it fully for you.

How Post Office RD Interest Works
Post Office RD gives quarterly compound interest.

The rate changes every quarter by the government.

But for your RD, the rate is fixed on opening date.

So your entire 5-year RD will earn the same rate.

Even if interest rate changes later, your RD stays locked.

Why You Receive SMS With Only Invested Amount
The SMS system only updates with fresh deposits.

It does not show the interest earned in each message.

That’s why total balance seems lower than actual maturity value.

What Is Your Total Invested Amount
You invested Rs 1500 per month for 58 months.

Total amount invested = Rs 87,000 (as per SMS).

How To Know Interest Earned
There are two methods to know the interest earned:

1. Visit Post Office With Passbook
Go to your branch with your RD passbook.

Ask them to print or update your RD passbook.

It will show all entries and interest added quarterly.

You can see total interest credited till date.

2. Check Online (If Account Linked)
If your RD is linked to India Post internet banking, login there.

Go to the RD section.

It will show the total interest earned till now.

Some accounts are not online yet. Then use passbook method.

Approximate Estimate For You
If your RD started around 5 years ago, rate was about 7.1%.

On Rs 87,000, you may get Rs 17,000 to Rs 19,000 as interest.

Total maturity amount may come to Rs 1,04,000 to Rs 1,06,000.

Exact amount will be given by Post Office after maturity.

How Interest Is Calculated
Interest is compounded every 3 months.

Every quarter, interest is added to the principal.

That’s how your returns grow faster over time.

The formula is fixed and applies from the date of opening.

Why RD Passbook Is Very Important
It shows correct principal and interest.

SMS does not show full picture.

Online account may have delays.

Use updated passbook for tax or financial planning.

Taxation Of RD Interest
RD interest is fully taxable.

It is added to your income every year.

Post Office may not deduct TDS.

But you should declare it in ITR.

What To Do After Maturity
Collect full maturity amount.

Do not reinvest in another RD blindly.

Instead, invest in better growth options.

Better Option Than RD After Maturity
Mutual Funds via SIP are better for long-term.

You can get higher returns with proper asset allocation.

Don’t use direct plans.

Take help of CFP-qualified MFD to plan it properly.

Actively managed funds do better than index funds.

RD gives fixed low returns. MF grows your money faster.

Future Actions You Must Take
Go to Post Office after 60 months.

Ask for maturity value in writing.

Confirm interest amount earned.

Decide whether to withdraw or reinvest.

For kids' education, SIP is better than RD.

Start small SIP with Rs 2000 every month.

Simple Tips For You
Always ask for interest slips yearly from Post Office.

Keep track of total investment with a notebook.

Never rely only on SMS for financial planning.

Don’t wait till last month to check maturity.

Plan what to do with the money at least 1 month in advance.

Final Insights
Your RD has worked safely for 5 years. But now, it’s time to upgrade.

You must move from fixed interest products to growth investments.

A good SIP for education, retirement, and future goals is must.

Your RD interest is easy to find — either online or by passbook.

After maturity, don’t continue in RD again. Money will sleep there.

Let your money grow, not sleep.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Money
I am 58, with wife earning 7.5L per annum and son independent but living with us. I retired in Jun from corporate job. I am expecting 30L retirement benefits. Have 10 L savings, wife has her own savings but no use for me. I am a defence veteran too so I earn 40k pension. My job now gives me Rs.1.23L salary. I expect 3-4 L income tax. I have no loans, two houses one in Mumbai anther at native place. All loans paid for. I have an office of 1000 sqf under construction which has already been paid for.I do not own car as in Mumbai parking n cleaning costs almost 8-10K. So I use cab. My goles now are to have peaceful future, wedding expenses of around 30L for son, buy a car for family in due course and have substantial say 2Cr savings/hold in coins post 7 years. Presently I have started 30k RD. I have Rs.20L Insurence which is already paid for. I also have defence health scheme covering myself and my wife. My son is independent advocate. Kindly guide
Ans: 1. Current Financial Snapshot
You are 58 and recently retired from a corporate job.

Pension: Rs. 40,000 per month from defence.

Current job salary: Rs. 1.23 lakhs per month.

No loans. That’s excellent. You're debt-free.

Rs. 30 lakhs expected from retirement benefits.

Rs. 10 lakhs in existing savings.

Wife earns Rs. 7.5 lakhs per year. Her savings are independent.

You have two residential properties and one office space (paid).

You have Rs. 20 lakhs insurance (already paid).

Family is covered under the defence health scheme.

A recurring deposit of Rs. 30,000/month has been started.

Your son is financially independent.

This profile reflects good financial discipline and asset creation.

2. Key Life Goals Identified
Son’s wedding expenses: Rs. 30 lakhs.

Car purchase: In the near future.

Achieve Rs. 2 crores in corpus within 7 years.

Ensure peaceful and financially secure retirement.

These are reasonable and achievable goals. Let us now assess how to get there.

3. Retirement Corpus Planning (Rs. 2 Crore in 7 Years)
To build Rs. 2 crore in 7 years, you need a strategic asset allocation:

Sources of Funding:
Rs. 30 lakh retirement benefits.

Rs. 10 lakh existing savings.

Rs. 1.23 lakh monthly salary (for next few years).

Rs. 40,000 monthly defence pension (lifelong).

Rs. 30,000 monthly RD (just started).

Instead of using RDs, which offer low post-tax returns, consider:

Recommended Actions:
Discontinue RD after current cycle.

Begin investing Rs. 50,000 monthly in mutual funds (explained below).

Allocate Rs. 30 lakh retirement corpus in a lump sum manner – 50% now, 50% in phased manner over 6–9 months.

4. Mutual Fund Strategy (No Direct or Index Funds)
Avoid index funds. They just mimic the market. They do not outperform.

Also avoid direct mutual funds unless you are experienced in selecting and reviewing funds regularly.

Problems with Direct and Index Funds:
No personal guidance or review.

Underperform during market volatility.

No access to portfolio rebalancing advice.

Index funds don't outperform inflation meaningfully in short periods.

Instead, Choose:
Actively managed funds.

Use Regular Plans through a SEBI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD).

Choose one who works with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

These professionals will help:

Set goals and choose suitable funds.

Monitor and rebalance your portfolio.

Provide tax-efficient withdrawal strategies post-retirement.

5. Suggested Asset Allocation
You should follow a 60:30:10 allocation strategy:

60% in Mutual Funds (for growth).

30% in Fixed Income instruments (to preserve capital).

10% in Gold (preferably digital or sovereign bonds for long term).

How to Allocate:
Equity Mutual Funds – 60%:

Use diversified actively managed funds.

Allocate across large, mid and flexi cap funds.

SIP Rs. 50,000 monthly.

Invest Rs. 15–18 lakhs in lump sum in mutual funds using STP (Systematic Transfer Plan) to reduce entry risk.

Debt Instruments – 30%:

Fixed deposits (for short-term needs).

Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (if preferred).

Short-term debt mutual funds (through regular plan).

Ensure liquidity for 2–3 years' expenses.

Gold – 10%:

For diversification and protection.

Invest in sovereign gold bonds or digital gold.

Avoid jewellery as an investment.

6. Emergency Fund Strategy
You already have Rs. 10 lakhs in savings.

Out of this:

Keep Rs. 4–5 lakhs in liquid fund or sweep-in FD.

This should cover 6–9 months of expenses.

Do not mix this with long-term investments.

7. Wedding Planning for Your Son (Rs. 30 Lakhs)
This is a significant short-term goal.

Suggested Strategy:
Avoid using mutual fund investments for this.

Use proceeds from:

Maturing RDs (if continued).

FDs or debt funds.

Or allocate Rs. 5 lakh per year for 6 years.

Keep this in separate earmarked investments.

Avoid disturbing your retirement investments.

8. Car Purchase Plan
You may consider:

Budget of Rs. 10–12 lakhs.

Use short-term debt mutual funds to accumulate this.

Target timeline: 2–3 years.

Avoid loan. Keep this expense cash-based.

Car is depreciating in nature. Don't let it disturb long-term goals.

9. Health and Insurance Coverage
Excellent that you have:

Rs. 20 lakhs insurance (already paid).

Defence health coverage for family.

No further life or medical insurance needed.

Avoid ULIPs or Investment-cum-Insurance products.

If you have any such policy, surrender it and shift proceeds to mutual funds.

10. Taxation Guidance
You mentioned Rs. 3–4 lakh annual income tax.

This can be optimised by:

Investing Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C (PPF, ELSS, etc.).

Investing Rs. 50,000 under NPS Tier I (Section 80CCD(1B)).

If you have taxable mutual fund gains:

Equity mutual funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

Debt funds taxed as per income tax slab.

Ensure a Certified Financial Planner guides your withdrawals to reduce tax impact.

11. Income Strategy Post-Retirement
After 7 years, your job income may stop.

Prepare income sources now:

Use mutual fund SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) after 65.

Combine pension + SWP for monthly expenses.

Keep Rs. 25–30 lakhs in debt funds for stability.

Rent from office space can supplement income once completed.

Plan cash flows properly for 20+ years of retired life.

12. Real Estate Holdings
You already have:

One house in Mumbai.

One in native place.

One commercial property under construction.

Avoid any further real estate purchases.

They have:

High maintenance costs.

Poor liquidity.

Low post-tax returns.

Focus on financial instruments for further wealth creation.

13. Role of Your Wife’s Income
She earns Rs. 7.5 lakhs annually.

If not dependent on you, encourage her to:

Invest in her own name.

Maximise tax deductions.

Create a separate retirement corpus.

This ensures financial independence for both.

14. Estate Planning
Start documenting:

Will creation.

Nomination across all financial assets.

Joint holdings where possible.

This prevents disputes or delays in future.

Include your wife and son in this discussion.

Finally
You have shown wisdom in your planning.

From this stage, please focus on:

Peaceful wealth growth.

Balanced asset allocation.

Avoiding low-return products like ULIPs, traditional insurance.

Using mutual funds (regular, active) via an MFD and CFP.

Having tax-efficient withdrawal plans post-retirement.

Fulfilling personal goals without taking fresh loans.

Involving your family in planning and documenting all decisions.

You're at a comfortable stage financially.

Let a Certified Financial Planner guide your implementation professionally.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Im 41yr old, with take home salary of 3L, current SIPs of 80,000. Homeloan of 80L. Monthly expenses of 1L. I have kids aged 9yr & 6yr. Also,occasionally investing in Stock Markets. I want to create a huge corpus for retirement for comfortable luxurious living & kids higher education & marriage& other expenses Have medical Insurance of 10L Kindly guide me for investing & saving better.
Ans: You are 41 years old with Rs. 3 lakh monthly income.
You invest Rs. 80,000 per month in mutual funds.
You have an Rs. 80 lakh home loan.
Your household expense is around Rs. 1 lakh monthly.
You have two kids, 9 and 6 years old.
You also invest sometimes in stock markets.
You have Rs. 10 lakh health insurance cover.
You want to build a large corpus for retirement, children’s education, marriage, and more.
Let us now create a 360-degree financial action plan for you.

First, Understand Your Present Financial Strength
You have high income and good savings habit.

SIP of Rs. 80,000 is very impressive.

You are balancing loan, SIP, and expenses well.

This discipline will create long-term wealth.

You have taken health insurance.

This is also a strong and responsible move.

But more structure is needed in your investments.

Map Your Key Life Goals First
You have four clear long-term goals:

Retirement corpus – From age 60 onwards

Child 1 higher education – in 8 to 10 years

Child 2 higher education – in 11 to 13 years

Marriage for both kids – in 15 to 20 years

You also want:

A comfortable and luxurious retired life

To manage all future lifestyle expenses

These goals are all heavy on future money needs.

Allocate Your Rs. 80,000 SIP Properly
You are investing Rs. 80,000 monthly in SIP.
But the right allocation is more important than the amount.
Break this into 3 goal-specific buckets.

Bucket 1: Retirement (Rs. 40,000/month)
This is your longest-term goal.

So, it can take the highest equity exposure.

You can invest in:

Flexi Cap Fund

Large & Mid Cap Fund

Aggressive Hybrid Fund

Use at least 3–4 fund categories.

Focus on growth-oriented funds.

Retirement needs steady SIP for 15–18 more years.

Increase SIP every year by at least 10%.

Bucket 2: Child Education (Rs. 30,000/month)
Split this between both kids.

You have around 8–12 years for this.

Use mix of safety and growth funds.

Choose:

Flexi Cap Fund

Balanced Advantage Fund

Short Duration Fund (closer to goal)

In last 2–3 years, shift funds to safer options.

Don’t keep 100% in equity during college start.

Bucket 3: Marriage & Lifestyle Fund (Rs. 10,000/month)
These goals are 15–20 years away.

So, can be fully equity focused.

Choose:

Mid Cap Fund

Flexi Cap Fund

Aggressive Hybrid Fund

Also usable for travel, luxury, business, or future dreams.

Avoid Investing Randomly in Stocks
Direct stock investment needs full-time research.

You may buy high and sell low unknowingly.

One wrong stock can wipe out 10 right ones.

Keep stock exposure limited to 5%–10% only.

Don’t rely on tips or social media stock advice.

Use stocks only after you finish all SIPs for goals.

Mutual funds are safer, flexible, and professionally managed.

Do Not Go for Index Funds
Index funds only copy market, not actively managed.

They cannot protect when market crashes.

You ride full ups and full downs.

No human brain involved in decision making.

Better to invest in actively managed funds.

Skilled fund managers will adjust portfolio wisely.

Use proven funds with consistent track record.

Avoid Direct Funds – Choose Regular Plans
Direct mutual funds look cheaper but come with no service.

You will have no advisor to help or guide.

Portfolio may become unbalanced or underperform.

Regular funds give you service via MFD with CFP.

They help with asset allocation and yearly review.

They guide during corrections and market shocks.

Their cost is small, but value is very high.

Always work with MFD who is also a CFP.

Plan for Home Loan Management
Rs. 80 lakh loan is large.

Don’t rush to close it fully.

Keep EMI comfortable within your cash flow.

You can prepay slowly after building emergency fund.

First focus should be on funding your goals.

Don’t sacrifice retirement to close loan early.

If interest rate is below 9%, continue paying EMI.

Create an Emergency Fund Now
Your monthly expenses are Rs. 1 lakh.

So, keep Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 9 lakh for emergencies.

Use FD, liquid fund, or sweep-in account.

This is only for job loss or health issues.

Don’t mix it with investment goals.

Review Your Health and Life Cover
Rs. 10 lakh medical insurance is good, but may not be enough.

Medical inflation is 12–15% per year.

Add a top-up health cover of Rs. 20 lakh.

Buy it early while you are healthy.

Also, take pure term insurance for Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs. 2 crore.

This protects your family in case of sudden death.

If You Hold LIC, ULIP or Endowment Policies
Check your current insurance-cum-investment plans.

See past 5-year return, often less than 5%.

These products are low-return and high-lock-in.

If no lock-in now, surrender the policy.

Reinvest into mutual funds for better growth.

Buy pure term cover instead of combo policies.

Yearly Review of Portfolio is Important
Don’t forget your SIPs after starting them.

Review all funds once a year.

Replace only if underperforming for 3 years or more.

Rebalance between equity and debt if needed.

Take help from your MFD with CFP every year.

Avoid investing emotionally or based on market news.

Understand Tax Rules for Future Withdrawals
Equity fund profit over Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term equity gains taxed at 20%.

Debt and hybrid funds with

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir, I am 36 years old and have 2.8 lacs salary per month. Currently I have home loan of 25 lacs for which I pay emi of 37,000. I also invest 1.5 lacs in following mutual funds every month and currently have 11 lacs portfolio. I have 1.44 lacs in NPS for which 13000 is paid additionally. I save the remaining money in household expenses which is about 60000 per month. I want to know how is my investing strategy and way to improve my investing to achieve 50 crores at the age of 60
Ans: You earn Rs.2.8 lakhs monthly. You also service a home loan EMI of Rs.37,000. Plus, you invest Rs.1.5 lakhs per month in mutual funds. You contribute Rs.13,000 to NPS monthly, and have saved Rs.11 lakhs so far. You manage household expenses within Rs.60,000. That's a smart, responsible way to handle income, saving, and repayment.

Your commitment and disciplined approach deserve appreciation. You are building a solid financial foundation—keep it up!

Review of Your Current Investment Strategy

Your savings pattern shows good diversity:

Mutual Funds (Equity Focus): Rs.1.5 lakhs monthly

NPS Contributions: Rs.13,000 monthly

Emergency Savings: Implicit, though not captured separately

This mix gives growth potential from equity, tax benefits via NPS, and a cushion from household expense management.

But there are areas to improve further to reach your ambitious goal of Rs.50 crores by age 60.

The Rs.50 Crore Goal—Is It Realistic?

You want Rs.50 crores in 24 years (age 36 to 60).

To reach Rs.50 crores from current Rs.11 lakhs, you'd need:

About Rs.2.5 lakhs investment every month

A return of about 13–14% annually

That's ambitious, but not impossible with disciplined savings, high equity exposure, and smart investment strategy.

However, it requires us to review your strategy in detail.

Step by Step: Bringing Clarity to Your Goal

Let’s break your goal down:

Define key goals and timelines

Assess income and expense clarity

Revisit home loan strategy

Review mutual fund allocation and taxes

Reassess NPS and alternate long-term vehicles

Ensure emergency fund adequacy

Consider health and term cover

Plan for periodic review

Clarifying Your Financial Goals

Align your Rs.50 crore plan with life goals:

Retirement at 60

Children’s education and marriage

Lifestyle expectations (travel, health, hobbies)

Legacy plans

This clarity will guide how to manage portfolio risk and growth.

Home Loan Strategy

Your home loan EMI is Rs.37,000. Continue to pay it diligently. It offers benefits:

May improve your credit score

Provides an inflation-adjusted deduction

Interest component reduces gradually

But don't over-prioritise prepayments unless surplus is consistent and goals are on track. Your current surplus is best used to grow wealth.

Mutual Fund Strategy—Are You on Track?

You currently invest Rs.1.5 lakhs per month. That’s excellent.

To check alignment with Rs.50 crore target, use a hypothetical return of 13%:

Rs.1.5 lakhs SIP monthly for 24 years can grow close to Rs.15–17 crores.

With disciplined increases and market performance, Rs.50 crores is still quite a stretch.

Hence, you’ll need to:

Increase investments gradually

Choose high?growth, actively managed equity funds

Add small and mid-caps opportunistically

Keep reviewing performance annually

Active vs Index Funds

You didn’t mention index funds. Let’s address it:

Index funds have drawbacks:

No flexibility to exclude weak stocks

No defensive allocation in downturns

No attempt to outperform market

Actively managed funds provide:

Continuous market research

Ability to shift away from volatile sectors

Aiming to outperform benchmarks consistently

To build Rs.50 crores, we prefer a high-quality actively managed portfolio.

Fund Allocation for High Growth and Risk

Your current Rs.1.5 lakhs SIP can be allocated as:

Large/Flexi-Cap Funds: 30%

Mid-Cap Funds: 30%

Small-Cap Funds: 20%

Opportunity/Thematic Funds: 20%

As you get closer to 60, rebalance toward safer categories.

NPS Contributions—Are They Enough?

You invest Rs.13,000 monthly in NPS. That's commendable for tax benefits and retirement corpus.

NPS offers a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.

To strengthen its benefit:

Take full advantage of Section 80CCD

Consider increasing contribution—if surplus exists

Keep track of exit tax and withdrawals

This helps build a larger retirement corpus but may not push you fully to Rs.50 crores.

Building Emergency Funds

You currently manage household expenses well, but it's unclear if you have a separate emergency fund.

Ensure at least 6 months of expenses (Rs.3.6 lakhs) is kept in a safe liquid fund.

This prevents disruption of your long-term investments during emergencies.

Insurance and Protection Planning

You haven’t mentioned term insurance. At 36, you likely need:

Adequate term life cover for your loan and family

Health insurance for both you and family

Consider rider health or income protection

Protecting against risk ensures your retirement goal is unimpeded by unforeseen events.

Tax Efficiency of Investments

You have:

NPS investments with tax benefit

Mutual fund returns which face equity capital gains tax

LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

To maximise returns:

Hold equity funds beyond 1 year

Track redemptions to manage gains within threshold

Use NPS withdrawals strategically

Use tax-advantaged withdrawal plans at retirement

A Certified Financial Planner can assist with smart tax planning.

Periodic Portfolio Review and Upscaling

To hit Rs.50 crores:

Increase SIP annually with income growth

Rebalance asset mix based on performance

Exit underperformers and add high-conviction picks

Consider direct equities/hybrid in later years

Review your portfolio every 6–12 months with professional help.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Steer clear of:

Impulsive investment decisions

Excessive concentration in single funds

Frequent switching without reason

Overreliance on regular income

Blind faith in market timing

Discipline and consistency matter more than chasing quick gains.

A Realistic Roadmap to Rs.50 Crores

Over 24 years, you can strengthen:

Monthly SIP: Rs.1.5 lakhs (year 1) → Rs.5–6 lakhs (by year 24 as income scales)

Healthy asset allocation tilt toward equity growth

Effective use of NPS for tax and retirement savings

Rebalancing and withdrawal strategy at age 60

With average annualised return of around 14%, these steps can get you near Rs.25–30 crores realistically. Reaching Rs.50 crores needs significant future income and discipline—but remains a strong ambition.

Life Beyond Investments—Your WellBeing

While building wealth, remember:

Maintain work-life balance

Spend time with family

Save for travel and wellness

Continually learn and upgrade skills

True wealth is not just money—it’s freedom, health, security, and joy.

Finally

You invest wisely now. That is your strength.

Going ahead, increase equity exposure smartly while managing risk.

Use actively managed funds for consistent growth.

Strengthen NPS and consider gradual SIP hikes.

Build emergency corpus to de-risk.

Secure your physical and financial health with insurance.

Review portfolio with Certified Financial Planner regularly.

Stay away from index, direct, and risky investment temptations.

Keep family, purpose, and well?being in focus.

With consistent effort and guidance, Rs.50 crores is ambitious but within sight. You have both conviction and habits to reach there.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Money
How to set 47000 salary with home loan emi 17000 and keeping in mind good future of kids education and futuristic saving.
Ans: With a monthly salary of Rs 47,000 and Rs 17,000 EMI, your financial space is limited. Still, with a disciplined approach, you can build a secure future for your children and yourself.

Let’s create a simple and practical financial plan.

Understand Current Situation
Salary: Rs 47,000

Home loan EMI: Rs 17,000

Remaining: Rs 30,000

This balance must take care of expenses, kids’ education, and your savings.

Smart Budgeting Is First Step
Keep fixed household expenses within Rs 20,000.

Leave Rs 3,000 for unavoidable personal expenses.

Save at least Rs 5,000 each month without fail.

Track every rupee spent using a notebook or app.

Build Emergency Fund First
Target 3 months of expenses as your first goal.

Save Rs 1,000 from your Rs 5,000 monthly saving towards this.

Keep the emergency money in a separate savings account.

Don’t use it for routine or luxury expenses.

Child Education Planning Must Start Now
Start a monthly SIP of Rs 2,000 in a good mutual fund.

Do not use direct plans. Take help from an MFD with CFP certification.

Actively managed funds perform better than index funds over the long term.

Continue SIP for at least 10–15 years without stopping.

Use Government Schemes Wisely
If you have a daughter, use Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. Contribute Rs 250/month minimum.

PPF is good for safe wealth creation. Invest Rs 500 to start.

Increase this every year with salary hike.

Review Insurance Protection
Make sure you have term insurance of at least Rs 25–30 lakhs.

Don’t mix insurance with investment like ULIPs or endowment plans.

Check if you have health insurance for your family. If not, buy one soon.

Control Debts And Avoid Personal Loans
Your home loan is good debt.

Avoid new EMIs unless unavoidable.

Don’t fall into credit card debt trap.

Increase Income If Possible
Consider part-time online work or weekend freelance tasks.

Ask spouse if they can support income or manage small business from home.

Every extra rupee must go into savings or kids’ future.

Automate Your Savings And Investments
Set up auto-debit for SIP and PPF contribution.

This avoids emotional spending.

You don’t miss your goals because of forgetfulness.

Discipline Matters More Than High Returns
Even Rs 1000 invested consistently can grow big over 20 years.

Stay away from risky investments or chit funds.

Don’t chase fast returns. Wealth is built slowly.

Review Financial Plan Every 6 Months
Check if your savings rate can increase.

Revisit SIP amount once your loan EMI ends.

After EMI closure, invest that Rs 17,000 towards kids and retirement.

Focus Areas For You
Emergency fund – First priority.

Insurance – Life and health both.

Kids’ education SIP – Rs 2000 minimum now.

No new debts – Absolutely avoid.

Monthly budget review – Every 15 days.

What To Avoid
No direct mutual funds.

No index funds.

No insurance-cum-investment policies.

No gold purchase as an investment.

No real estate investment now or near future.

Future Steps
After home loan ends, use Rs 17,000 fully for investments.

That alone can create Rs 1 crore+ in 15–20 years.

Review kids’ education cost yearly and adjust SIP if needed.

Make retirement planning your priority after children are settled.

Best Way To Use Annual Bonus Or Extra Income
First, pay off any small dues.

Add to emergency fund.

Invest rest in mutual fund SIPs.

Do not spend on luxury or non-urgent things.

What Will Happen If You Stick To This Plan
In 5 years, your emergency fund and child fund will be in place.

In 10 years, you will have a decent education corpus.

In 15–20 years, you can retire with peace.

Your kids will thank you for disciplined planning.

Finally
It’s not the salary that decides the future.

It’s what you do with your salary every month.

Even with Rs 47,000 income, you can build a powerful future.

Only if you plan carefully and avoid mistakes.

Start small but be consistent and stay invested.

If you want, we can help you build a detailed action plan with specific monthly targets.

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

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8264 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2025Hindi
Career
IIIT Kanchipuram any branch including Mechanical or NIT, Tier 1/2 lower branch ,- Which is better in terms of salary package through campus and better career prospects.
Ans: IIIT Kancheepuram’s campus placements across B.Tech disciplines have yielded a 73% placement rate with an overall average package of ?9.37 LPA. Mechanical Engineering graduates at IIITK average ?6.54 LPA, while CSE and ECE branches command higher averages of ?12.95 LPA and ?11.36 LPA respectively. By contrast, Tier-1 NITs place lower-tier branches more strongly: NIT Surathkal’s Mechanical Engineers average ?12.57 LPA with a 93% placement rate, and NIT Durgapur’s Metallurgical & Materials Engineering posts an 83.64% placement rate with an average package of ?8.79 LPA. Tier-2 NITs show similar trends, with lower-demand branches averaging ?7–9 LPA and placement rates of 70–85%. Each institution offers robust accreditation, experienced faculty, modern labs, industry internships, and dedicated placement support, but NITs leverage stronger national branding and deeper recruiter networks for core engineering roles.

For higher average packages and broader recruiter engagement in core engineering, the recommendation is to join NIT Surathkal Mechanical Engineering. If you prefer a balanced mix of computer-oriented roles at a growing IIIT with solid internships, I recommend shifting to IIIT Kancheepuram CSE. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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