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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11060 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I have been doing SIP under following MF's : Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 5,000.00 Bandhan Core Equity Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 3,000.00 DSP Mid Cap Fund - Regular Plan 2,500.00 HSBC Value Fund - Regular Plan 2,500.00 ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund 2,500.00 Kotak Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 2,000.00 Quant Active Fund 5,000.00 SBI Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 2,500.00 SBI Small Cap Fund - Regular Plan 10,000.00 UTI Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 5,000.00 HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan 3,000.00 Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 5,000.00 HDFC Focused 30 Fund - Regular Plan 2,000.00 Also i have lump-sum investment in following MF schemes - HDFC Top 100 RP (G) 51,998.45 HDFC Gold RP (G) 1,43,997.00 ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund 3,79,511.11 ICICI Prudential US Bluechip Equity Fund - Regular 99,800.95 Kotak Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 1,14,995.00 In addition to above, i am investing regularly in PPF & have an Share portfolio of about Rs. 6 Lacs & few Life Insurance policies (LIC). I am in need of about Rs. 25 Lacs. Kindly advise which funds to exit and if any other rebalancing of MF is required. Thanks

Ans: You've built a diverse portfolio with a mix of systematic investment plans (SIPs), lump-sum investments, and other financial instruments, showcasing your commitment to long-term wealth creation. Let's review your current holdings and make strategic adjustments to align with your financial goals:
1. SIP Review:
• Evaluate the performance and suitability of each SIP based on your investment objectives and risk tolerance.
• Consider consolidating or exiting SIPs with underperforming funds or overlapping strategies to streamline your portfolio.
2. Lump-Sum Investments:
• Assess the performance and outlook of your lump-sum investments to ensure they complement your overall investment strategy.
• Consider rebalancing or exiting investments that no longer align with your investment goals or risk profile.
3. Portfolio Rebalancing:
• Rebalance your portfolio to maintain an optimal asset allocation and manage risk effectively.
• Consider reallocating funds from underperforming or overweight sectors/funds to sectors/funds with better growth potential.
4. Exit Strategy:
• Identify funds or investments that are not performing as expected or do not align with your investment strategy.
• Develop an exit strategy to liquidate such investments gradually while minimizing any potential impact on your overall portfolio returns.
5. Alternative Investments:
• Explore alternative investment options such as debt instruments, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or international funds to diversify your portfolio further.
• Consider adding exposure to sectors or asset classes that offer growth potential while mitigating downside risks.
6. Risk Management:
• Review your risk management strategy to ensure adequate protection against market volatility and unforeseen events.
• Consider enhancing your insurance coverage, particularly health and life insurance, to safeguard your financial well-being and protect your loved ones.
7. Financial Planning:
• Continuously monitor your financial plan and make necessary adjustments based on changes in your life circumstances, financial goals, and market conditions.
• Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to receive personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and objectives.
Remember, investing is a dynamic process, and periodic review and adjustment are essential to stay on track towards achieving your financial goals. By taking a proactive approach and making informed decisions, you can optimize your investment portfolio and work towards building long-term wealth and financial security.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11060 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 25, 2025

Money
I am having SIP of Rs 10000/per month n the following MFS Scheme as detailed below Sl no MUTUAL FUND MONTHLY SIP RETURN /NSDL CMENCE DT 1. ICICI PRU LARGE CAP Rs 10000/ 20.52% 20-07-2020 2.MIRAE ASST LARGE&MIDCAP Rs 2500+ LUMP 17.8% 29-09-2016 3.PARAGUE PARIK FLEXI CAP Rs 10000 14.92 % 09-08 -2015 4.SBI SMALL CAP Rs 10000 18,6% 15-07-2018 5.NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP Rs 10000 7.92% 26-09-2023 6. MOTILAI OSWAL MID CAP Rs 10000 8.79% 12-10-2024 7.QUANT SMALL CAP RS 10000 3.75% 14-06-2024 8.INVESCO INDIA PSU FUND LUMP SUM 10.9% 15-09-2024 9. KOTAK FLEXI CAP LUMP SUM 12.82% 10-01-2022 10 CANARA ROECO EMERGIN LUMP SUM 15.78% As the returns from sl nos 5.6.7 are not to the satisfaction I feel the amount may be shifted to SL NOS 1,2,3,4. PLEASE ADVISE ME AND TAKE ME TO THE CORRECT DIRECTION. Please give me your valuable comment on sl nos 8,9 10 THANING YOU,SIR S.CHITHAMBARA KUTTALAM PILLAI
Ans: Your commitment to steady SIPs is very good.
You track your performance with care.
You show patience and long-term thinking.
This discipline builds strong wealth.
Your long journey also shows deep faith in equity.
That faith will reward you over time.

Your SIPs run across large cap, large and mid cap, flexi cap, mid cap and small cap.
You also hold three lump sum funds in different areas.
Your spread is wide.
Your base is strong.
You also ask valid concerns about low-return funds.
And you want to place money in better performing places.
I will cover all these points step by step.

» Your Current Portfolio Shape

Your SIP covers five categories.
That reduces risk.
This protects you during market swings.
Your mix also supports long-term growth.
You have long-running SIPs.
They create deep compounding.
You also started some new SIPs recently.
These new SIPs need time.

Your lump sum part sits in three equity areas.
These areas offer stable and cyclical growth.
So your portfolio works like a full basket.
Some parts grow fast.
Some parts grow slow.
But together they create balance.

Your idea to review poor-performing SIPs is normal.
Most investors feel this at some point.
But decisions need clear analysis.
Not emotion.
Not short-term fear.
Not short-term disappointment.

» Why Some SIPs Show Low Returns Today

Three SIPs are worrying you.
They are small cap and mid cap oriented.
These categories behave differently.
They run in cycles.
Their gains rise sharply in some cycles.
They fall sharply in others.
This is normal for these categories.

Your SIP start dates are also very recent.
Some are only a few months old.
One is just around one year.
One is around one and half years.
Such short periods don’t show true performance.
They only show temporary market mood.

Small caps need long periods.
At least five years.
Sometimes seven years.
Sometimes even more.
Mid caps need patience as well.
New SIPs don’t show real power early.

Your low returns now do not mean poor fund quality.
They show only market phase.
Phases change.
Returns shift fast.
Small and mid caps often jump after weak phases.

So please don’t judge these new SIPs now.
Give them more time.
They started in a volatile cycle.
And that is the only reason returns look low.

» Should You Shift These SIPs to Your Stronger Funds?

You are thinking to move these SIPs into your stable performers.
Your stable performers include large cap, long-running flexi cap, large and mid cap, and long-running small cap.
They show strong long-term returns.
They also have long histories with you.

But shifting now can break your asset mix.
If you move money away from mid and small caps, your portfolio will tilt heavy to large caps.
This reduces long-term return potential.
Large caps are stable but slow.
Small and mid caps add speed in long-term compounding.
If you remove them now, the future growth reduces.

Also, shifting at low returns locks your loss temporarily.
This reduces your recovery scope.
Equity demands patience.
Shifts should happen only for category change or goal change.
Not due to early low return.

Your existing stable funds are strong.
But your new SIPs are young.
They must complete a cycle.
Give them time.
Let them build track record.
Let them grow into their natural cycle.

So shifting is not needed now.
Holding is better.
This protects your asset spread.
This protects your future upside.

» What You Can Do Instead of Shifting

– Keep the SIP amounts running in all categories.
– Do not stop a SIP only because returns look low.
– Give new SIPs time to settle.
– Keep your existing strong funds as anchors.
– Let the new SIPs grow slowly with the cycle.

This approach keeps your long-term path strong.
Your risk stays balanced.
Your return potential stays high.
Your peace remains intact.

» Your Large Cap SIP

Your large cap SIP shows stable long-term return.
Large caps protect you during market shocks.
They give consistent strength.
This SIP can stay as it is.
Your amount here is healthy.

Large caps will never give small cap-style jumps.
But they give backbone strength.
You already enjoy that.
So no change needed here.

» Your Large and Mid Cap SIP

This category is good for balanced growth.
It gives both stability and speed.
Your return is strong due to long holding period.
This SIP is a pillar in your mix.
You can continue this SIP.

This category sometimes outperforms large caps.
Sometimes mid caps inside it push growth.
So it gives a smooth growth curve.

» Your Long-Term Flexi Cap SIP

A flexi cap fund adjusts allocation based on market cycles.
This gives natural balance.
Your return shows good long-term compounding.
This SIP is valuable for long-term wealth.
Keep this running as well.

Flexi cap gives freedom to move across market caps.
This helps during tough cycles.
This helps during opportunity cycles.

» Your Earlier Small Cap SIP With Good Return

Your long-running small cap SIP is solid.
The return shows full cycle benefit.
This proves that small caps need time.
You have seen both low and high phases.
And it rewarded you well.
This is the best example for your new SIPs.

This SIP also gives high long-term power.
Small caps grow faster when held long.
This SIP should continue.
It strengthens your return potential.

» Your Three New SIPs With Low Returns

These SIPs look weak now.
But they are too new.
They cannot show long-term truth yet.
Please wait.
Please continue.
They will settle.
They will show their cycle strength later.

Stopping now may disturb your mix.
Stopping now may cut your chance for higher future returns.

So I advise to continue them.
Let them complete three to five years.
Then review again.

» Your Lump Sum in PSU Theme

Your PSU-themed lump sum works like a cyclical idea.
It grows well during reform cycles.
It grows during strong government policy cycles.
You hold it for a short time now.

The return is decent for a short period.
But this category is not stable always.
It moves in waves.
So you must keep moderate expectations.
Don’t expect smooth returns here.
Hold it medium term.
Do not add more now.
Let it run on its own.

Review after three years.
Keep it as a satellite portion of your total.

» Your Lump Sum in Flexi Category

This fund gives broad market coverage.
Your return is good.
Flexi cap works well when markets shift directions.
Hold this for long term.
It suits broad-based wealth creation.

No need to redeem.
No need to shift.
Let it stay and grow steady.

» Your Lump Sum in Emerging Category

This category grows when domestic and global cycles favour growth-oriented companies.
Your return is strong.
This shows the category is working well.

Hold it for long term.
Do not disturb it.
Allow more compounding.
It can support high capital appreciation.

» Why Active Funds Give Better Scope Than Index Funds

Index funds track the market.
They cannot beat the market.
They cannot avoid weak companies inside the index.
They cannot manage risk actively.
They cannot adjust during market shocks.
They cannot shift between sectors based on cycle.

Active funds can do all these.
Active funds can remove weak stocks.
Active funds can allocate more to strong sectors.
Active funds can reduce risk quickly.
Active funds can capture opportunities early.
Active funds give better long-term power.
So your active fund choices are suitable.

» Why Regular Plans Are Better Than Direct Plans

Regular plans come with guidance.
They give you clarity.
You get support in reviews.
You get a Certified Financial Planner’s view.
You get timely corrections.
You get emotional support in volatile cycles.

Direct plans give no such support.
Direct plans leave you alone during tough times.
Direct plans become risky without guidance.

So regular plans are better for your long-term journey.

» Cash-Flow Comfort and Mental Comfort

Your SIP size is strong.
Ten thousand rupees across many categories builds big wealth.
But make sure it fits your cash flow.
You should not feel pressure.
Your SIP should feel natural.
Not heavy.
Not stressful.

Mental comfort is important.
If you worry too much about short-term returns, you may take wrong actions.
Please see equity as a long-term partner.
Short-term pain is normal.
But long-term gain is powerful.

» Risk Spread Across Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is spread well across five categories.
Large cap gives stability.
Flexi cap gives balance.
Large and mid cap gives smooth growth.
Mid cap gives speed.
Small cap gives high compounding.
PSU gives exposure to government-linked sectors.
Emerging category gives future growth trends.

This spread supports your long-term safety.
This gives you a full 360-degree structure.
This helps you handle all cycles.

» How to Review in Future

Review once a year.
Not every month.
Not every quarter.
One year gives clear signals.
Short periods give noise.

Check only category-level changes.
Do not react to short-term low returns.
Do not shift during weak phases.
Shift only when your goals or risk levels change.

» Finally

Your portfolio is strong.
Your commitment is strong.
Your categories are balanced.
Your lump sum part is fine.
Your weak SIPs only look weak because they are new.
They need time.
Do not shift them now.
Let all your SIPs continue.
This will build wealth in the long run.
You are on the right direction.
Stay steady.
Stay patient.
Stay invested.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11060 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 11, 2026

Money
Hi Sir, This is my second question after one and half years. I am running 37 years old. My inhand salary after all deductions is 77k. I have loan emi 32k which is going to end in feb 2027. I don't have any savings and mutual fund. How do i start financial planning and investment? I have my wife,6 years old son and 4 years old daughter. No other dependents. I would like to plan investment for house building after 7 years( my own plot around 1500 sq ft). Kindly advise.
Ans: You are asking this question at the right time. At 37, you still have many earning years ahead. Taking responsibility for your wife and two young children while planning for a future house shows strong commitment towards your family.

Even though you have no savings today, your situation can improve with a structured approach.

» Understanding Your Present Financial Position

Your monthly income and commitments are:

– Monthly income: Rs 77k
– Loan EMI: Rs 32k (till Feb 2027)
– Family of four with two young children

Currently your loan EMI is consuming a large portion of income. So the first phase of planning should focus on stability and protection.

» Build Emergency Fund First

Before investing, you must create an emergency fund.

This fund protects your family if:

– Job loss happens
– Medical emergency occurs
– Unexpected expenses arise

Try to accumulate at least 6 months of expenses.

Start small.

– Save around Rs 5k to Rs 8k monthly
– Keep this in a liquid fund or safe savings instrument

Do not use this money for any other purpose.

» Protect Your Family with Insurance

Since you are the only earning member, protection is critical.

You should have:

– Pure term insurance of at least Rs 1 crore
– Family health insurance cover for wife and children

Without these protections, one unexpected event can destroy financial plans.

Insurance is the foundation of financial planning.

» Begin Investment Through SIP

Once the emergency fund starts building, begin systematic investment.

Mutual funds are suitable for long-term goals like children education and house construction.

Prefer actively managed diversified equity funds.

Benefits of actively managed funds:

– Professional fund managers select quality companies
– Portfolio changes based on market conditions
– Aim to generate returns higher than market average

Start with small SIP.

Even Rs 5k to Rs 10k per month is a good beginning.

Over time you can increase it.

» House Construction Goal After 7 Years

You already own the plot. That is a big advantage.

Construction cost after 7 years may be substantial.

So your strategy should be:

– Continue SIP in equity funds for growth
– Increase investment once EMI ends in Feb 2027

When your EMI of Rs 32k stops, that amount becomes your biggest opportunity.

If you redirect that EMI into investments:

– Wealth can grow much faster
– House construction fund can accumulate steadily

» Planning for Children Education

Your children are 6 and 4 years old.

Higher education will come after 10 to 15 years.

This long time horizon is perfect for equity mutual funds.

Start small SIPs now in diversified funds and gradually increase contributions every year.

The power of compounding will work strongly over this time.

» Keep Investments Simple

Avoid spreading money across too many instruments.

A simple structure works best:

– Emergency fund for safety
– Equity mutual funds for long-term goals
– Limited exposure to other assets

Simplicity helps you stay disciplined.

» Tax Awareness

When you redeem equity mutual funds:

– Long term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%
– Short term gains taxed at 20%

Holding investments for longer periods reduces tax burden.

» Finally

Your financial journey should start step by step.

Focus on these priorities:

– Build emergency fund first
– Take term insurance and health insurance
– Start small SIP in actively managed equity funds
– After Feb 2027, redirect EMI amount into investments
– Gradually build corpus for house construction and children education

Consistency is more important than starting with big amounts.

If you remain disciplined, your financial situation can change significantly in the next 7 to 10 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |599 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Mar 11, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 07, 2026Hindi
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11060 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 11, 2026

Money
I am 36 years old and now I am getting in hand 60k staying at Bangalore .I have 18.5 lakhs in my bank account. Room rent 10k household expenses 12 k invested 10k in sip. Please guide me how to and where to invest this amount..layoff also going on in my it company. Please suggest for my safe future . I have a 3 year boy his health also not good .
Ans: Your situation shows responsibility and awareness. At age 36, earning Rs.60,000 per month, maintaining savings of Rs.18.5 lakhs, and already investing through SIP shows good financial discipline. Also, your concern about job stability and your child’s health shows that you are thinking about your family’s long-term security. With a few structured steps, you can strengthen your financial safety and future stability.

» Your Current Financial Position

– Monthly in-hand income: around Rs.60,000
– Rent: Rs.10,000
– Household expenses: Rs.12,000
– SIP investment: Rs.10,000
– Savings in bank: Rs.18.5 lakhs

This means you are living within your income and also saving regularly. That is a very positive starting point.

However, because there are layoffs in the IT sector and you also have family responsibilities, the focus should be on safety, stability, and long-term growth.

» Build a Strong Emergency Fund First

Job uncertainty and your child’s health condition make an emergency reserve very important.

– Keep around 9 to 12 months of expenses as emergency fund
– Your monthly expenses are roughly Rs.22,000 to Rs.25,000
– So maintaining around Rs.3 to 4 lakhs as emergency reserve is sensible

This money should stay in safe and liquid options so that you can access it immediately during job loss or medical needs.

Do not invest this emergency money in risky assets.

» Health Protection for Your Family

Since your child already has health concerns, health insurance becomes very important.

– Take a good family health insurance plan that covers you, your spouse, and your child
– Choose a policy with adequate coverage because medical costs in cities like Bangalore are high
– If your company provides health insurance, do not depend only on that because it stops when you leave the job

Medical protection protects your savings from getting wiped out.

» Use Your Rs.18.5 Lakhs Carefully

You do not need to invest the full amount immediately.

A balanced approach works better.

– Keep around Rs.3 to 4 lakhs as emergency fund
– Keep some amount in safe instruments for short-term needs
– Gradually deploy the remaining money into diversified mutual funds through a systematic transfer approach

This helps you avoid investing a large amount at the wrong market timing.

» Continue and Slowly Increase SIP Investments

You are already investing Rs.10,000 per month in SIP. That is a very good habit.

Over time, you can improve it.

– Increase SIP whenever salary increases
– Focus on diversified equity mutual funds for long-term wealth creation
– Keep your investment horizon at least 10 to 15 years

Equity mutual funds help beat inflation and build long-term wealth for goals like your child’s education.

Actively managed funds are helpful because professional fund managers analyse companies, manage risks, and adjust portfolios based on market conditions. This active management helps investors during uncertain markets.

» Create Separate Goals for Your Child

Your child is only 3 years old. This gives you a long time horizon.

You can create separate investments for:

– Child education
– Child health security
– Long-term family wealth

Starting early helps you accumulate wealth gradually without putting pressure on your monthly budget.

» Improve Career Security

Financial planning is not only about investments. Income stability is equally important.

– Upgrade your skills within the IT industry
– Maintain a secondary emergency skill or certification
– Build professional connections in your industry

This increases your chances of faster recovery even if layoffs happen.

» Avoid Risky Decisions Now

Because your income is moderate and job stability is uncertain, avoid:

– High-risk stock trading
– Investing entire savings in one asset class
– Sudden large investments without planning
– Borrowing money to invest

Your focus should be stability and disciplined growth.

» Work With a Structured Financial Plan

A proper financial plan helps align:

– emergency planning
– insurance protection
– goal-based investments
– tax planning
– retirement planning

A Certified Financial Planner can help structure these elements together so that every rupee you save works toward your long-term financial security.

» Finally

You are already on the right track. Many people at age 36 do not have Rs.18.5 lakhs in savings or a disciplined SIP habit. Your awareness about risk, family needs, and future planning is a strong foundation.

With a balanced approach of emergency protection, proper insurance, disciplined mutual fund investing, and career stability, you can build a safe and strong financial future for your family and your child.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10941 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Mar 11, 2026

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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