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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7028 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
Rohan Question by Rohan on May 04, 2024Hindi
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Sir need your expert advice on my following SIPs 1. MA nifty smallcap 250 momentum quality 100 ETF - 10000 2. MOMOMENTUM ETF - 10000 3. MO Large and midcap - 10000 4. Edelweiss nifty midcap 150 momentum 50 - 10000 5. ITBEES - 10000 I am more aligned towards passive investment and will continue to do around 10 yrs with annual step up 10%. After that I will stop investing and have plan to take home loan of 1.2 to 1.5 cr to buy dream home and let my invested amount compound for further next 10 years.

Ans: It's great that you're investing through SIPs and planning for your future financial goals. However, it's essential to review your portfolio periodically to ensure it aligns with your objectives and risk tolerance. Here are some points to consider:

Diversification: Your portfolio seems heavily focused on ETFs tracking momentum-based strategies. While momentum investing can yield high returns, it's important to diversify across different asset classes and investment styles to reduce risk. Consider adding exposure to other sectors or asset classes like debt or international equities for better diversification.
Risk Management: Momentum strategies can be volatile and may underperform during market downturns. Ensure you're comfortable with the level of risk associated with your investments, especially considering your long-term investment horizon. Regularly monitor the performance of your investments and be prepared to rebalance if needed.
Passive vs. Active Management: While passive investing offers cost-effective exposure to broad market indices, consider the merits of active management, especially in volatile markets or specialized sectors. Actively managed funds may provide opportunities for alpha generation through skilled fund management.
Annual Step-Up: Your strategy of increasing SIP amounts annually is commendable as it helps boost savings over time and counteracts the impact of inflation. Continue to review your investment goals and adjust your SIP amounts as needed to stay on track with your financial objectives.
Long-Term Planning: Your plan to let your investments compound for 10 years after stopping SIPs and using the proceeds for a home loan is sound. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your housing finance needs, including EMI affordability, interest rates, and loan tenure, to make an informed decision.
Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a certified financial planner to review your portfolio holistically, taking into account your risk profile, financial goals, and time horizon. They can provide personalized recommendations and help optimize your investment strategy for long-term success.
Overall, while passive investing through ETFs can be an efficient way to gain market exposure, it's important to maintain a balanced approach and periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your evolving financial goals and risk tolerance.
Asked on - Jun 02, 2024 | Answered on Jun 03, 2024
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Thank you sir????
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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  |7028 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7028 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 24, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 25 year old and have started investing in SIPs for the first time since last hear. I do 1. HDFC Index Fund Nifty 50 -5,500 2. MIRAE Asset Midcap fund - 3500 3. Axis small cap - 2500 4. JM Flexicap - (one time investment) - 20,000 5. Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU equity - (one time) - 6000 6. Quant Mid cap - 3,500 7. Quant Infrastructure- 1,000 8. ICICI Prudential retirement - 1000 9. QUANT ELSS - 1,000 10. Parag Pareikh - 1000 11. Nippon India - 1000 12. SBI PSU - 1000 Overall my monthly SIP goes around 25,000-30,000 and my plan is to retire at the age of 50 with 5 Crore. XIRR - 27.33% Please suggest if i need to make any changes
Ans: It's impressive to see a 25-year-old like you investing diligently in SIPs. Your commitment to securing your financial future early is commendable. Let's evaluate your portfolio and see if any changes are necessary to help you achieve your goal of Rs 5 crore by the age of 50.

Diversification and Allocation
You have a diverse portfolio with investments across different categories:

Large-cap Index Fund

Mid-cap Funds

Small-cap Fund

Flexi-cap Fund

Sector Funds (PSU, Infrastructure)

Retirement Fund

ELSS Fund

This diversification helps spread risk and capture growth from various market segments.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds, like your HDFC Index Fund Nifty 50, track the market and offer average returns. They cannot outperform the market. Actively managed funds, managed by experts, aim to beat the market, offering potential for higher returns. Given your long investment horizon, actively managed funds could be more beneficial.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are overseen by professional managers who make strategic decisions to outperform the market. These funds can provide better returns, especially in volatile markets. With the right selection, actively managed funds can significantly enhance your portfolio's performance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds have lower costs but lack professional guidance. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential ensures you receive expert advice. This professional support helps in making informed decisions and aligning investments with your financial goals.

Assessing Your Sector Funds
Your investments in sector funds like Quant Infrastructure and SBI PSU can offer high returns but also come with high risk. Sector funds are dependent on the performance of specific sectors. Diversifying too much into sector funds can increase risk. Consider limiting exposure to sector funds to balance your portfolio.

Importance of Reviewing Portfolio
Regularly reviewing your portfolio is essential to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances change over time. A periodic review helps in rebalancing your portfolio and maintaining the desired risk-return profile.

Evaluating Long-Term Goals
Your goal of Rs 5 crore by the age of 50 is ambitious but achievable with a disciplined approach. Considering the power of compounding and historical market returns, maintaining a consistent investment strategy will be key to reaching your target.

Projecting Future Returns
While exact future returns are unpredictable, a diversified portfolio with a mix of actively managed funds and strategic investments can provide good growth. Historically, equity mutual funds have delivered around 12-15% annual returns. Adjusting your portfolio to optimize for this growth can help achieve your long-term goal.

Suggestions for Improvement
Increase Allocation to Actively Managed Funds: Shift some investments from index funds to actively managed funds to potentially achieve higher returns.

Reduce Sector Fund Exposure: Limit investments in sector-specific funds to manage risk better.

Regular Reviews and Rebalancing: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and market conditions.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is strong and diversified, setting a solid foundation for future growth. With some adjustments to focus more on actively managed funds and regular portfolio reviews, you can enhance your chances of achieving your Rs 5 crore goal by the age of 50. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice to optimize your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7028 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 15, 2024Hindi
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Sir, Im 54 yrs, present monthly take home pay in hand of Rs.2.5Lacs after all I.Tax etc. deductions. Car EMI till Dec 2026 to be paid will be Rs.5000 per month. Have Health Insurance cover for 25 lacs, Term Insurance for Rs.2Crores but no Life Insurance cover. Monthly SIP is Rs.1Lac. Had made a lump-sum investment of Rs.55Lacs in Mutual Fund which is now valued around Rs.75Lacs. I'm not able to save anything beyond this due to family responsibilities and have to start repaying my son's education loan of Rs.20Lacs which would commence after 2.5 years (as he is studying now). Can you please let me know how much of corpus I might have at the time of my retirement if I continue to work till the age of 58years? Regards
Ans: Based on the information you’ve shared, let us assess your situation and provide insights into your potential retirement corpus.

Current Financial Position
Take-home salary: Rs. 2.5 Lacs per month
Car EMI: Rs. 5,000 per month (ending Dec 2026)
Health insurance: Rs. 25 Lacs
Term insurance: Rs. 2 Crores
Monthly SIP: Rs. 1 Lac
Lump-sum investment in mutual funds: Rs. 75 Lacs (current value)
Education loan repayment: Rs. 20 Lacs starting after 2.5 years
Retirement age: 58 years (4 years from now)
Assumptions for Projection
Your SIP of Rs. 1 Lac per month continues until retirement.
Your lump-sum mutual fund investment grows at an assumed annual rate of 10%.
Monthly SIP investments grow at an assumed annual rate of 10%.
Education loan repayment starts in 2.5 years. Let’s consider this doesn’t disrupt your SIPs.
Estimated Retirement Corpus
1. Growth of Existing Lump-Sum Investment
Current value: Rs. 75 Lacs
Growth for 4 years at 10%: Approximately Rs. 1.1 Crores
2. Future Value of Monthly SIPs
SIP: Rs. 1 Lac per month
Duration: 48 months (4 years)
Growth at 10%: Approximately Rs. 63 Lacs
Total Corpus at Retirement
Lump-sum mutual fund value: Rs. 1.1 Crores
SIP investments: Rs. 63 Lacs
Total corpus: Rs. 1.73 Crores
Recommendations
Education Loan Repayment: The repayment may require adjustments in your budget. Consider partial withdrawals or rebalancing investments if necessary to avoid disrupting your SIPs.
Increasing Savings: Once your car loan ends in 2026, channel the Rs. 5,000 EMI into SIPs to further enhance your corpus.
Financial Review: Regularly review your investments and retirement goals with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure alignment with market conditions.
Final Insights
If your investments grow at an average rate of 10%, you may have a retirement corpus of approximately Rs. 1.73 Crores by age 58. Focus on maintaining your SIP contributions and ensuring liquidity to manage upcoming education loan repayments effectively.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |3908 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 15, 2024

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Career
I have completed my bsc nursing and have one year of experience in india. There's offer from my miles talent hub to do 1 year stem program in usa and then 3 year work visa will be granted. Should i do that or there's is better opportunities for me to do.
Ans: Miles Talent Hub's offer to go to the US for a year to do a STEM program and then stay for three years on a work visa could be a good chance, especially if you want to work and travel abroad and advance your career. Before you decide, here are some things to think about:

If you go to a STEM school in the US, especially in a field like healthcare, you might be able to find new job opportunities in advanced medical technologies, research, or management that you might not be able to find in India. It's possible that the 3-year work visa will help you learn about the global healthcare industry while also letting you make money.

Effects on your finances and your life: Studying abroad can be pricey, so make sure you look at all of the costs, such as tuition, living costs, and any scholarships or other financial help that might be available. Think about whether you can handle being away from home for a long time.

Opportunities in India: The United States has a lot of great opportunities, but India also has room to grow, especially since the need for healthcare workers is growing. In India, look for job openings, higher education programs, or specialized certifications that could help you move up in your business. Think about where you want to be in 5 to 10 years. This could be a good first step if you want to grow in a foreign setting or go to school abroad to study nursing or healthcare management. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future.

To know more on ‘ Careers | Education | Jobs’, ask / follow Us here in RediffGURUS.

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |402 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 15, 2024

Relationship
Hello I am a 40 year old married female. Off late I started feeling attracted to my married Male Friend of last 5 years. I love my husband a lot and can never think of betraying him. But I feel happy in the company of this friend of mine. He sort of has the qualities i always wanted from my husband and as we all know not everyone can possess every quality. I was aware about his liking towards me like he used to flirt with me someway or other also recently he admitted the same to me that he likes me since our first meeting. As we are family friends and stay in the same building, we keep meeting often with family and sometimes only two of us as we like spending time talking to each other. In our recent visit we hugged each other in the rush of emotions. We both got just blown away by the surreal feeling. We admitted the same to each other. After this meeting we kept messaging each other the whole day and so on for next few days and suddenly one day he said he fears this might ruin our family friendship and started ignoring and maintaining distance, he stopped messaging or calling me without discussing anything. But now I am attracted to him so much that I can not take his absence or apathy towards me and want to have cordial relations like we were before, when it was not vocal between us that we like each other. I am not able to adjust to the fact that the person who used to admire and respect me so much and wanted to have a lifelong friendship can become suddenly so distant. I want an advise whether I am wrong in expecting atleast a normal relation like friendship to continue between us. As we have never crossed our boundaries and hugging once will not count as betrayal. Please guide I want him back as before.
Ans: a close relationship with someone outside your marriage, especially when emotions are involved, introduces challenges. You’re aware of this already, and it seems your friend has also recognized the complexities, likely explaining his sudden need for distance. Often, when feelings come to the surface, they carry a weight that makes people reconsider their boundaries to protect the larger relationships at play—in this case, both of your marriages and family dynamics. This pullback doesn’t negate his admiration or the value he places on your friendship but rather reflects the reality of the situation and the need to guard against further complications.

You might find it helpful to explore what exactly you’re drawn to in your friend’s qualities. It could be that he reflects an aspect of yourself you wish to bring into your own relationship. Identifying these qualities is powerful, as it can help you shape a conversation with your husband, potentially bringing deeper fulfillment to your marriage. Many couples find new dimensions in their relationship when they openly discuss what they yearn for and ways to bring those qualities to life together. While it may feel challenging, these conversations can foster intimacy and growth.

It’s also worth noting that maintaining your friend’s respect and allowing him space is likely the best way to preserve your connection long-term, even if it feels painful right now. His distance might ultimately help both of you return to a place of friendship, but pushing for that too soon might complicate things further. In the meantime, remember that it’s natural to feel a loss or a longing for a friend’s company when circumstances shift. Practicing self-compassion and care can be grounding during times like this, as can seeking other outlets for support, such as close friends, hobbies, or moments of solitude that allow you to process your emotions.

Time and patience may help bring this friendship back to a more natural and comfortable place, but focusing on your marriage and yourself will allow you to stay true to your values and find a sense of peace, regardless of the ultimate outcome with your friend.

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |619 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 14, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi Sir, I'm 43+, My Monthly take home is around 3.40 Lacs, Currently i have invested in Shares (Current Portfolio is around 1.40 Crs). EMI is around 1.2 lacs P/m (Home loan 1 - 50K per month till 2037, 30K car loan till 2027 (Planning to close this year by paying 13 lacs, please suggest if this option of preclosure is good or EMI is good, will be paying this amount by selling some shares), 30k per month of home 2 till 2040., Last year i have started investing in SIP 1 lacs P/M, and balance 1.20 lacs goes in house, kids education expense. Have EPF balance of 40 lacs as on date. As mentioned above recently i have started investing in SIP (From Oct 2023 onwards), which is at the tune of 1 lacs per month. SIP are Franklin India Prima Fund regular Plan - Growth - 25K, ICICI Prudential Small cap fund retail plan G - 25K, Kotak Multicap fund regular plan growth - 15K, DSP Blackrock mid cap fund regular plan growth - 10 K, and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund - Regular plan growth - 25 K. Will increase the SIP investment by 10% every year going forward. Sir, My question is with current SIP and shares investment will i be able to generate 10~12 Cr corpus fund by retirement (Assuming that i will be in Job and working for next 15 years). Current Share portfolio is for long term investment only (assuming i get 12~15% of return every year). Please note : will be spending around 60~70 Lacs for my Son education in engineering from 2027 to 2031, 50% will be spend from savings and balance 50% from education loan. Current value of house 1 - 1.35 Cr (EMI is 50K), House 2 Current Value is 82 Lacs (EMI is 30K).
Ans: Hello;

Kudos for holding judicious blend of assets in equity(stocks and MFs), real estate, EPF.

Your thought process is absolutely spot on. You should prepay the car loan through shares corpus and close the EMI.

If you maintain monthly sip of 1 L with yearly top-up of 10% for 15 years then you may accumulate a corpus of around 8.68 Cr.

Stock holding of 1.27 Cr(13 L considered to be deducted for car loan prepayment) is expected to grow into a sum of 5.31 Cr in 15 years.

EPF balance of 40 L will grow into a corpus of 1.27 Cr over 15 years. Fresh contributions, if any, will be bonus.

So cumulatively your total corpus at the end of 15 years from now will be 8.68+5.31+1.27=15.26 Cr.

Due to your sound financial planning you may not need education loan for son's education.

Modest return of 12%, 10% and 8% are considered from mutual funds, direct stocks and EPF respectively.

Happy Investing;

...Read more

Dr Shyam

Dr Shyam Jamalabad  |79 Answers  |Ask -

Dentist - Answered on Nov 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 14, 2024Hindi
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Health
Doctor, could you kindly recommend specific brands of toothpaste suitable for children of different age groups? I’m particularly interested in knowing which brands would best support their dental health at various stages of development, considering factors like fluoride content, flavor, and overall safety. Could you provide guidance on which options are most effective for toddlers, young children, and older kids?
Ans: Hello
For toddlers and young children, it's essential to choose a toothpaste that is safe and effective for their developing teeth and gums. Here are some recommendations:

1. *Fluoride-free toothpaste* (0-2 years): For infants and toddlers, a fluoride-free toothpaste is recommended. Look for a toothpaste specifically designed for this age group, like "Baby Toothpaste" or "Training Toothpaste". Please note that Fluoride, although extremely beneficial when used locally can lead to fluorosis if accidentally ingested. This is the reason toddlers need to use fluoride-free toothpastes.

2. *Children's toothpaste with low fluoride* (2-6 years): For young children, a toothpaste with a low fluoride concentration (around 500-600 ppm) is suitable. This helps prevent fluorosis (white spots on teeth) while still providing cavity protection.

3. *Gentle ingredients*: Opt for a toothpaste with gentle ingredients, to minimize irritation.

5. *Flavor and texture*: Select a toothpaste with a child-friendly flavor and texture to make brushing teeth a fun experience!

Most popular toothpaste brands offer multiple options for toddlers and young children.
In addition to these there are a few brands specially formulated for children which are ethically promoted (not commercially advertised, but sold through chemists on dentists' prescriptions) You may speak to your child's dentist for specific recommendations.

Remember to always supervise your child while brushing teeth and teach them proper oral hygiene habits from an early age!

...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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