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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8319 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 16, 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
Ravesh Question by Ravesh on Aug 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I have extra 34000 per month. Which mutual fund i choose for next 5 to 7 years for investment. I want 50 Lakh lumsum after 2029. Plz advise

Ans: Invest Rs. 15,000/month in Large-Cap Funds for stability, Rs. 10,000/month in Mid-Cap Funds for growth, and Rs. 9,000/month in Flexi-Cap Funds for diversified exposure. This balanced approach can help you as a part to reach your Rs. 50 lakh goal by 2029.

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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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 28, 2024

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i have invested lump sum 20000 in parag flexi cap fund and 6000 in kotak quant fund i want to invest aroung 20000 a month suggest me mutual fund with 5 years horizon
Ans: With a 5-year investment horizon, your focus should be on balancing growth potential with some risk management. Since you have already invested in a flexi cap and a quant fund, you have made a good start. Below are some mutual fund categories that can further diversify your portfolio and align with your 5-year financial goal.

1. Aggressive Hybrid Funds
Aggressive hybrid funds invest about 65%-80% in equities and the rest in debt. These funds are designed to provide growth with a cushion of safety through their debt component. For a 5-year horizon, these funds can help you capture equity growth while reducing volatility.

These funds help limit downside risk if the equity market corrects in the short term.
Over a 5-year period, aggressive hybrid funds may offer better risk-adjusted returns than pure equity funds.
2. Large and Mid-Cap Funds
Large and mid-cap funds offer a balance between stability and growth. Large-cap stocks are more stable, while mid-caps provide the potential for higher returns.

Large-caps tend to provide stability during volatile periods.
Mid-caps, although riskier, can offer higher returns in a growth market.
Over a 5-year period, this category can provide a balance between risk and reward. You already have exposure to flexi caps through your Parag Flexi Cap Fund, but large and mid-cap funds can further strengthen this strategy.

3. Multi-Asset Funds
Multi-asset funds are designed to invest across multiple asset classes such as equities, debt, and gold. This diversification helps reduce the impact of market volatility. In the short-to-medium term, these funds can provide a more stable growth trajectory.

These funds are suitable for investors who want diversification without actively managing different asset classes.
They offer a balanced return, reducing the dependency on just one asset class.
For a 5-year horizon, these funds can give you peace of mind by spreading the risk across various assets.

4. Dynamic Bond Funds
Dynamic bond funds adjust their portfolio based on interest rate movements. Since interest rates can fluctuate over a 5-year period, dynamic bond funds offer flexibility in managing this.

These funds can offer more stability compared to equity funds.
While they generally provide lower returns than equity funds, they can be part of your portfolio for a balance of stability and growth.
For a 5-year horizon, dynamic bond funds can add a layer of stability to your portfolio without completely moving out of growth opportunities.

5. ELSS Funds for Tax Saving
Though primarily tax-saving instruments, ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) funds can also serve your investment needs. They have a mandatory 3-year lock-in, which ensures you remain invested for the short term and benefit from equity growth.

ELSS funds offer tax deductions under Section 80C, making them an attractive option.
They primarily invest in equities, which can help your portfolio grow over the medium term.
Considering your 5-year horizon, the 3-year lock-in period is manageable. You can continue to hold the funds for two more years to maximize your returns.

Key Considerations
Risk Tolerance: Since you have a 5-year horizon, it’s important to balance risk and return. While equities provide growth, debt and hybrid funds can reduce volatility.
Diversification: You’ve already invested in equity-based funds. Now, you can consider adding hybrid or multi-asset funds to diversify your portfolio.
Review Your Portfolio: Although a 5-year horizon isn’t long enough for frequent changes, it's important to review your portfolio periodically to ensure it's aligned with your goal.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds, while low-cost, lack the flexibility of actively managed funds. Over a 5-year period, actively managed funds can better adapt to market conditions. Index funds merely track a market index, and during downturns, they offer no protection from losses.

Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market in the short-to-medium term.
Fund managers can take advantage of market inefficiencies, which index funds cannot.
Given your 5-year horizon, active fund management is preferable for potentially better returns.

Final Insights
Your decision to invest Rs 20,000 monthly is a smart step towards building a robust financial future. With a 5-year horizon, a balanced approach combining equity and hybrid funds can provide both growth and stability. Diversifying across different fund types will ensure that your portfolio remains resilient in the face of market volatility.

While your existing investments in a flexi cap and quant fund are a good start, adding large and mid-cap, aggressive hybrid, and multi-asset funds will strengthen your portfolio. Dynamic bond funds can offer stability, and ELSS funds can help you save on taxes while investing for growth.

By choosing actively managed funds over index funds, you allow your portfolio the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. A certified financial planner can guide you in selecting the right mix of funds and regularly reviewing your portfolio to stay on track.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8319 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Dear Sir, I am aged 40 years a aggressive investor I have recent corpus of 13 lac in mutual fund and doing SIP of Rs30500 monthly in following funds . Nippon small cap - 9000 , Tata small cap - 7500 , Quant Small cap - 6000 , kotak small cap - 5000 and Pgmi Flexi cap -3000 and a vision for next 22 years with step up of 10 %. I also invest in PPF of 12500 monthly and In EPF with 25000 basic salary and i will also get Rs 50 lac from various LIC policy at the age of 60 . I want to know that is my approach is right and what would be the future corpus at the age of 62 years .
Ans: You are doing a disciplined and smart job with your investments. You have a long-term horizon, a strong SIP commitment, and a clear goal in mind. That’s a big step many don’t take seriously. Let me now evaluate your approach from all angles. This will be a 360-degree review of your investment plan and future readiness.

Let us go step-by-step to understand if your approach is right and what the future looks like.

Your Current Financial Setup

You are 40 years old now.

You have a mutual fund corpus of Rs 13 lakh.

You invest Rs 30,500 monthly through SIP.

You invest in four small cap funds and one flexi cap fund.

You step up your SIP by 10% annually.

You have a PPF investment of Rs 12,500 monthly.

You contribute to EPF. Your basic salary is Rs 25,000.

You will receive Rs 50 lakh from LIC policies at age 60.

Your investment horizon is 22 years from now.

This is a solid plan and shows discipline. Now, let us evaluate it carefully with insights and suggestions.

Assessment of Mutual Fund Investments

You are investing heavily in small cap mutual funds.

Four out of five funds are from the small cap category.

Small caps give high returns, but they also carry high risk.

Over 22 years, this risk may work in your favour.

But the ride will be bumpy. There will be sharp ups and downs.

At times, you may see short-term losses. That is normal.

However, putting over 85% of SIP in small caps may be risky.

You need better diversification for stability.

Adding large cap and mid cap funds may balance the risk.

Your Flexi cap fund does help a bit, but it is still not enough.

A blend of market caps will give smoother long-term growth.

It is better to slowly bring down small cap exposure to 50%.

Increase exposure to diversified and mid-cap funds gradually.

Don’t exit small cap funds suddenly. Take a phased approach.

This change will make your portfolio strong and well-balanced.

Step-Up SIP Strategy – Strong and Effective

Increasing SIP by 10% annually is a smart idea.

This fights inflation and grows your wealth faster.

It uses your rising income to build a big corpus.

Many investors ignore step-up. You are doing it correctly.

Keep increasing the SIP without fail every year.

Even a break in step-up can delay your target.

Review your SIPs yearly and adjust as income rises.

This strategy will help you reach your target corpus faster.

Investment in PPF – A Safe Long-Term Cushion

PPF offers guaranteed, tax-free interest.

You are investing Rs 12,500 monthly in PPF.

Over 22 years, this will become a strong safe corpus.

It adds stability to your overall financial plan.

PPF is good for retirement since it is risk-free.

Keep continuing till maturity. Do not withdraw early.

Interest rate may vary, but long-term returns are good.

You also get tax exemption under Section 80C.

This risk-free asset will protect you from equity market shocks.

EPF – A Reliable Retirement Contributor

Your EPF is linked to your Rs 25,000 basic salary.

The employer also contributes monthly.

Over 22 years, this will grow into a big amount.

EPF offers fixed, tax-free returns with no market risk.

It is an excellent tool for retirement planning.

Avoid premature withdrawals from EPF.

You can withdraw after retirement for use as income.

This will be a strong pillar of your retirement security.

LIC Maturity at Age 60 – A Special Boost

You will receive Rs 50 lakh from LIC policies at age 60.

This will come at a perfect time near retirement.

You must check if these are traditional or ULIP plans.

Traditional plans offer low returns, mostly below inflation.

ULIPs carry market risk and high charges.

If these are investment-cum-insurance plans, surrendering is wise.

You can reinvest that surrender amount in mutual funds.

Use proper asset allocation while reinvesting.

For insurance needs, use only term insurance.

Reinvesting in mutual funds can make this Rs 50 lakh grow further.

Future Corpus at Age 62 – What to Expect

With SIPs, EPF, PPF and LIC money, your total savings will be huge.

Your mutual fund corpus will grow rapidly with step-up.

Your PPF and EPF will grow safely, year after year.

LIC amount will give a big boost just before retirement.

With 10% SIP step-up, your corpus can cross Rs 9 to 10 crore.

Exact figure depends on market returns, SIP discipline, and inflation.

But you are definitely on the right path to reach financial freedom.

You are preparing for retirement very well.

This kind of planning gives peace of mind and confidence.

Things You Are Doing Right – A Quick Look

Strong SIP discipline and long-term vision.

Investing in equity for long-term wealth creation.

Following step-up SIP approach.

Investing in PPF and EPF for safe returns.

Keeping investment horizon of 22 years.

Maintaining separate LIC maturity plans.

You are showing smart behaviour as an aggressive investor.

Key Improvements You Should Consider

Reduce small cap exposure to 50% slowly.

Add more mid-cap and flexi cap funds.

Avoid overlapping funds from same category.

Review performance of all funds every 6 months.

Check expense ratios and consistency of returns.

Track goal progress once a year with clear targets.

Make sure your portfolio has good asset allocation.

Don’t hold funds only based on past returns.

Always go through a Certified Financial Planner for changes.

This will make your portfolio more stable and return-oriented.

Important Taxation Insight

Long-Term Capital Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-Term Capital Gains are taxed at 20%.

Plan redemptions smartly to reduce tax.

Use staggered withdrawals near retirement.

Redeem equity funds over time, not all at once.

PPF and EPF are tax-free. LIC maturity is also tax-free.

But for mutual funds, plan redemptions with tax efficiency.

This will help you protect your wealth from tax erosion.

Important Notes on Fund Types and Investments

Do not use direct mutual funds if you are not an expert.

Direct funds need self-review and research, always.

There is no handholding or guidance with direct funds.

If you miss fund underperformance, losses may happen.

Regular funds through MFD with CFP advice are safer.

CFP will do goal review, fund analysis and rebalancing.

This adds value and protects your goals from derailment.

Always go through a trusted CFP for a 360-degree plan.

Your long-term wealth deserves the right expert attention.

Finally – Our Insights for You

You are on a great track with vision and discipline.

You are investing smartly across equity and debt.

With minor changes, your plan can become stronger.

Keep focus on diversification and risk management.

Review your goals and progress yearly with expert help.

Stick to your plan even during market falls.

Continue your SIP step-up and never skip contributions.

Use professional guidance to ensure smooth journey.

Your retirement will be financially independent and stress-free.

This approach will help you lead a proud, peaceful life post-60.

Stay committed and consistent. You are doing excellent already.

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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