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Dev Ashish  | Answer  |Ask -

MF Expert, Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 21, 2023

Dev Ashish is a fee-only SEBI-registered investment advisor with over 15 years of active experience in the stock market. In 2011, he founded StableInvestor, a platform for personal finance and financial planning.
He provides professional fee-only investment advisory services to small and high networth individuals in order to help them achieve their financial goals.
Ashish's views are regularly published in national business publications. He has an MBA degree from NMIMS, Mumbai and also holds an engineering degree.... more
Rajesh Question by Rajesh on Oct 18, 2023Hindi
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Hi Dev, Good day. I am planning to start SIP's (55K per month) in the following Mutual funds for a horizon of 5-7 years to create 1 corpus. Could you please review and suggest if they look fine or need any changes/alternate funds. I am fine to take higher risks. 1 Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Plan Growth 3000 2 Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 2500 3 HDFC Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 2500 4 Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 3000 5 Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth 3000 6 Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth 2000 7 HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Direct Plan Growth 3000 8 Quant Infrastructure Fund Direct 3000 9 Quant Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth 3000 10 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth 6000 11 HDFC Flexi Cap Direct Plan Growth 5000 12 ICICI Prudential Technology Direct Plan Growth 3000 13 HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Equity Plan Direct Growth 5000 14 HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Plan Growth 2500 15 UTI Nifty200 Momentum 30 Index Fund Direct Growth 2500 16 Bandhan Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct Plan Growth 3000 17 Nippon India Growth Fund Direct Growth 5000 Thank You!

Ans: You have chosen an unnecessarily large number (17) of funds to invest Rs 55,000 monthly. If you combine the underlying stock portfolio of all these funds then you would have hundreds of stocks and be running effectively a Nifty500 kind of portfolio. So no need to complicate it. In my view, just having 3-4 funds would be more than enough for your requirements. Assuming you have at least a moderately aggressive risk appetite, you can invest 10-15K in one largecap index fund, 15-20K in one flexicap/large&midcap fund, 10K in one midcap fund and remaining in smallcap fund. This allocation enough will be more than enough for your portfolio requirements

Note (Disclaimer) - As a SEBI RIA, I cannot comment on specific schemes/funds that are provided or asked for in the questions in the platform. And the views expressed above should not be considered professional investment advice or advertisement or otherwise. No specific product/service recommendations have been made and the answers here are for general educational purposes only. The readers are requested to take into consideration all the risk factors including their financial condition, suitability to risk-return profile and the like and take professional investment advice before investing.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Hardik

Hardik Parikh  |106 Answers  |Ask -

Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Apr 06, 2023

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Hi Hardik, Good day. This is Rajesh N I am planning to start SIP's (55K per month) in the following Mutual funds for a horizon of 5-7 years to create 1 corpus. Could you please review and suggest if they look fine or need any changes/alternate funds. I am fine to take higher risks. Thanks a lot. Have a Good Day. Canara Robeco Small Cap 4000 Nippon India Small Cap 4000 Quant Small Cap 4000 HDFC Small Cap 4000 HDFC Flexi Cap 5000 Quant Flexi Cap 5000 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap 5000 HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund 6000 ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund 6000 Motilal Oswal Midcap fund 6000 HDFC Retirements Savings Fund 6000
Ans: Hello Rajesh, it's great to hear about your plan to start investing in mutual funds through SIPs. I would say that your choice of mutual funds looks diversified and suitable for your investment horizon of 5-7 years.

Since you mentioned that you are willing to take higher risks, your choice of small-cap funds such as Canara Robeco Small Cap, Nippon India Small Cap, Quant Small Cap, and mid-cap fund like Motilal Oswal Midcap fund, is appropriate as they have the potential to generate higher returns in the long run.

In addition, you have also selected some flexi-cap funds such as HDFC Flexi Cap, Quant Flexi Cap, and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, which can help you to diversify your portfolio and provide flexibility to invest across market capitalizations.

Moreover, your choice of balanced advantage funds such as HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund and ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund, which invest in a combination of equity and debt, can help to manage market volatility and generate stable returns.

Lastly, your choice of HDFC Retirement Savings Fund is a good option for long-term retirement planning.

Overall, I believe that your choice of mutual funds is well-diversified, and suitable for your investment horizon and risk appetite. However, it's always important to review your portfolio periodically and make necessary changes based on market conditions and your financial goals.

..Read more

Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  | Answer  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Feb 16, 2024

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Hi Hemant, Good day. I am planning to start SIP's (55K per month) in the following Mutual funds for a horizon of 5-7 years to create 1 corpus. Could you please review and suggest if they look fine or need any changes/alternate funds. I am fine to take higher risks. 1 Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Plan Growth 3000 2 Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 2500 3 HDFC Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 2500 4 Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 3000 5 Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth 3000 6 Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth 2000 7 HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Direct Plan Growth 3000 8 Quant Infrastructure Fund Direct 3000 9 Quant Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth 3000 10 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth 6000 11 HDFC Flexi Cap Direct Plan Growth 5000 12 ICICI Prudential Technology Direct Plan Growth 3000 13 HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Equity Plan Direct Growth 5000 14 HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Plan Growth 2500 15 UTI Nifty200 Momentum 30 Index Fund Direct Growth 2500 16 Bandhan Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct Plan Growth 3000 17 Nippon India Growth Fund Direct Growth 5000 Thank You!
Ans: Hello Rajesh & thanks for writing to me. I see lots of funds in your portfolio across multiple categories.

As your horizon is around 5 to 7 years, you can consider reducing exposure to pure equity funds and allocate higher amounts to hybrid funds like balanced advantage funds or multi asset/dynamic asset allocation funds.

I recommend you talk a financial planner who can understand your needs in depth to make a suitable plan for you.

..Read more

Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  | Answer  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Oct 19, 2023

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Hi Ulhas, Good day. I am planning to start SIP's (55K per month) in the following Mutual funds for a horizon of 5-7 years to create 1 corpus. Could you please review and suggest if they look fine or need any changes/alternate funds. I am fine to take higher risks. 1 Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Plan Growth 3000 2 Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 2500 3 HDFC Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 2500 4 Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 3000 5 Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth 3000 6 Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth 2000 7 HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Direct Plan Growth 3000 8 Quant Infrastructure Fund Direct 3000 9 Quant Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth 3000 10 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth 6000 11 HDFC Flexi Cap Direct Plan Growth 5000 12 ICICI Prudential Technology Direct Plan Growth 3000 13 HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Equity Plan Direct Growth 5000 14 HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Plan Growth 2500 15 UTI Nifty200 Momentum 30 Index Fund Direct Growth 2500 16 Bandhan Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct Plan Growth 3000 17 Nippon India Growth Fund Direct Growth 5000 Thank You!
Ans: Hi Rajesh and thanks for writing to me. I assume that your goal is create a corpus of Rs.1 Crore. If your investments grow at around 12% XIRR, then you need to invest around Rs.76,000 every month to achieve your goal.

While most of the funds are pure equity funds, you can consider not investing in thematic funds like Infrastructure Fund or Technology funds and instead increase your allocation to flexi cap funds.

Similarly, you can also consider not investing in a balanced advantage fund and rather invest the sum in equity funds.

Note that these suggestions are made considering that you are fine with high risks associated with equity. If you share your risk profile, I may recommend some other funds.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2025
Money
Greetings!!!! I am 43 years Old, I had started 10k per month TATA AIA SIP in previous year for total 7years Plan. I want to education plan for my 1 kid who is 6 years old now. Please advice and guide me about more investments plan, as i am still confused about future growth and any plan for my wife age 38years.
Ans: You're at a critical financial stage. Planning for your child’s education and securing your family’s future are both top priorities. You've already started a ULIP, which is a start. But let’s take a deeper 360-degree view of your situation.

Below is a detailed plan, broken into simple sections for better clarity.



Assessment of Your Current ULIP Investment

You're investing Rs. 10,000 per month in a 7-year ULIP.



ULIPs mix insurance with investment. That reduces the growth power of your money.



Charges like premium allocation, fund management, and mortality charges reduce returns.



Your actual invested amount is much lower in the first few years.



ULIPs have limited flexibility in fund switching and partial withdrawal rules.



Maturity benefits are taxed if the annual premium exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh. Be cautious of this.



A ULIP is not ideal for education goals or long-term wealth building.



As a Certified Financial Planner, I suggest surrendering this policy and moving funds to mutual funds.



You can continue till 5 years to avoid surrender charges if already started.



But do not renew after the 7-year term. Don't increase contributions in this ULIP.



Planning for Your Child’s Higher Education

Your child is 6 years old. You have around 11-12 years.



College education in India or abroad can cost Rs. 30–60 lakhs or more.



Instead of ULIPs, invest in diversified mutual funds. This will give better inflation-adjusted returns.



Use a mix of large cap, flexi cap and small cap mutual funds.



Start SIPs in these funds with a long-term horizon of 10-12 years.



You may also consider goal-based child education funds that are actively managed.



Don't invest in direct funds. They look cheaper, but don’t offer guidance.



Always invest through a Certified Financial Planner via a regular plan.



Your investment will stay aligned with your goal as the planner will guide with rebalancing.



Use a dedicated SIP only for child’s education goal. Don’t merge it with retirement planning.



Suggested Action Plan for Child’s Education

Shift future contributions from ULIP to SIPs in active funds.



Start with Rs. 20,000 per month SIP only for education.



Review this SIP every year and increase it by 10%-15% annually.



Add lump sums like bonuses or yearly increments into the same goal fund.



In the last 2 years before the education goal, shift to debt funds slowly.



This will protect your accumulated amount from equity volatility.



Investment Plan for Your Wife (Age 38)

She has a long horizon. She can invest for both retirement and her independent needs.



Open a separate mutual fund folio in her name.



Start SIPs in flexi cap, large & midcap, and hybrid funds in regular plans.



You can start with Rs. 10,000 per month and increase gradually.



You may also use her PPF account for additional tax-free corpus.



Avoid investing in gold, insurance policies, or real estate for her.



Ensure she has her own health insurance and a term insurance if she’s working.



If she’s not working, then create an emergency fund in her name.



That gives her independence and safety if she needs cash.



Family Protection with Insurance

You did not mention your term cover. You must have it if not already.



Ideal cover should be 15–20 times your yearly income.



ULIPs or LIC endowment policies should not be considered for protection.



Avoid investment-linked insurance plans. Keep insurance and investment separate.



Review your existing insurance covers. Add riders like critical illness and accident if needed.



Tax Efficient Planning

Use Section 80C wisely. Don’t just rely on ULIP or LIC plans.



Max out PPF, ELSS mutual funds, and children tuition for tax saving.



Invest in actively managed ELSS funds for better returns than ULIPs.



Avoid index funds for tax planning. They may underperform in volatile markets.



Debt funds are taxed as per slab now. Use carefully if short horizon.



Track capital gains if you sell mutual funds. Use new tax rules for equity funds:



  - LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

  

  - STCG taxed at 20%



Plan redemptions well in advance to manage taxes efficiently.



Retirement Planning (For You and Wife)

Start a separate SIP for your retirement corpus. Do not merge with other goals.



You have 17 years for retirement. That’s good for wealth accumulation.



Invest in a mix of actively managed flexi-cap and large-cap funds.



Add hybrid funds to reduce volatility as you near retirement.



Continue EPF, and increase VPF if possible. It is tax-free and safe.



Don't consider NPS if liquidity is important. Maturity rules are rigid.



Use mutual funds with regular advice to stay on track till age 60.



Exit ULIPs and Poor Insurance Products

You mentioned TATA AIA ULIP. Continue for 5 years to avoid penalty.



After that, exit and move funds to SIP in mutual funds.



If you or wife have LIC endowment, Jeevan Saral, or ULIPs, surrender them.



Reinvest maturity amount into SIPs in regular mutual fund plans.



Do not fall for insurance agents who pitch plans as tax saving or guaranteed.



Emergency Fund and Liquidity

Keep at least 6 months of family expenses in a liquid mutual fund.



Don’t use your SIP or education fund as emergency source.



You may open a separate savings bank linked sweep account for this.



This fund will help if there is any job loss, health issue, or urgent need.



What Not to Do

Don’t invest in new ULIPs or insurance-linked plans.



Avoid direct mutual fund investments. You won’t get guided rebalancing.



Do not use your child’s education fund for house down payment.



Don’t pick index funds. They underperform in sideways or bear markets.



Don’t buy land or gold as an investment for your goals.



Final Insights

You are at a very strategic life stage. You have time and income strength.



ULIPs will not help you grow wealth. Shift to goal-based mutual fund SIPs.



Separate goals: child education, your retirement, wife’s security, and emergencies.



Invest only through a Certified Financial Planner for customised long-term support.



Review all goals every year. Increase SIPs with income.



Protect family with pure term insurance and health insurance.



Focus on building wealth in regular mutual funds, not through insurance products.



Real financial freedom comes when goals are funded without stress.



You have a clear head start. Use it with discipline and right guidance.



Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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

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