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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 05, 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
Kiran Question by Kiran on Jun 05, 2024Hindi
Money

Is FD a good option for a monthly income plan? I have Rs.1.5Cr in my PF

Ans: Evaluating Fixed Deposits for Monthly Income
Fixed deposits (FDs) are a popular investment option in India. They offer stability and guaranteed returns. However, is an FD the right choice for generating a monthly income from your Rs.1.5 crore Provident Fund (PF)? Let's explore this in detail.

Stability and Safety
FDs are one of the safest investment options available. They are less volatile than stocks and mutual funds. Banks and post offices offer FDs with a guarantee on the principal amount. This makes FDs an attractive option for risk-averse investors.

In India, FDs are insured up to Rs.5 lakh per depositor per bank. This insurance provides an additional layer of safety. For someone looking to preserve capital, FDs are an excellent choice.

Predictable Returns
One of the biggest advantages of FDs is the predictability of returns. Unlike market-linked investments, FDs offer a fixed interest rate. You know exactly how much you will earn at the end of the tenure. This can be reassuring, especially in volatile market conditions.

Convenience
FDs are easy to manage. They do not require constant monitoring like stocks or mutual funds. Once you invest in an FD, you can sit back and relax. This is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a hands-off approach to investing.

Regular Interest Payouts
FDs offer various interest payout options, including monthly, quarterly, and annual payouts. For generating a regular monthly income, you can opt for the monthly payout option. This ensures a steady stream of income to meet your expenses.

Taxation on Interest Income
Interest earned on FDs is taxable. It is added to your total income and taxed as per your income tax slab. For someone in a higher tax bracket, this could significantly reduce the net returns.

Inflation Impact
While FDs offer guaranteed returns, they may not always keep pace with inflation. Over time, inflation can erode the purchasing power of your money. This is a crucial factor to consider, especially for long-term investments.

Assessing Alternatives: Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can be a compelling alternative to FDs. These funds are managed by professional fund managers who actively make investment decisions to maximize returns.

Potential for Higher Returns
Actively managed funds have the potential to offer higher returns compared to FDs. This is because fund managers can capitalize on market opportunities.

Diversification
Actively managed funds invest in a diversified portfolio of assets. This helps spread risk and potentially enhances returns. Diversification can provide a cushion against market volatility.

Flexibility
Actively managed funds offer flexibility in terms of investment amount and redemption. You can start with a small amount and increase your investment over time. Additionally, you can redeem your investment partially or fully as per your needs.

Professional Management
These funds are managed by experienced professionals. Fund managers have the expertise to analyze market trends and make informed investment decisions. This can be advantageous for investors who lack the time or knowledge to manage their investments.

Tax Efficiency
Certain actively managed funds, such as equity mutual funds, offer tax benefits. Long-term capital gains from equity funds are taxed at a lower rate compared to FD interest. This can enhance your overall returns.

Regular Funds Through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing in regular funds through a certified financial planner (CFP) can be beneficial. A CFP can provide personalized advice based on your financial goals and risk appetite. They can help you choose the right funds and create a diversified portfolio.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) for Monthly Income
Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) are an effective way to generate regular monthly income from mutual funds. An SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investment at regular intervals, typically monthly. This can ensure a steady income stream while your investment continues to grow.

How SWPs Work
With an SWP, you invest a lump sum amount in a mutual fund. You then set up a plan to withdraw a fixed amount each month. This amount is credited to your bank account on a pre-specified date. The remaining investment continues to earn returns, providing the potential for capital appreciation.

Benefits of SWPs
Regular Income: SWPs provide a predictable and regular income stream, which is ideal for managing monthly expenses.

Tax Efficiency: Withdrawals from equity mutual funds are subject to capital gains tax, which can be more tax-efficient compared to the interest earned on FDs.

Capital Growth: While you withdraw a portion of your investment, the remaining amount continues to grow, offering the potential for long-term capital appreciation.

Flexibility: SWPs offer the flexibility to increase or decrease the withdrawal amount as per your needs. You can also stop the withdrawals if your financial situation changes.

Rupee Cost Averaging: By regularly withdrawing a fixed amount, you benefit from rupee cost averaging, which can reduce the impact of market volatility on your investment.

Setting Up an SWP
To set up an SWP, you need to follow these steps:

Choose a Mutual Fund: Select a mutual fund that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance. Equity mutual funds are often preferred for their potential for higher returns.

Invest Lump Sum: Invest a lump sum amount in the chosen mutual fund. Ensure the investment amount is substantial enough to support your monthly withdrawal needs.

Define Withdrawal Amount: Decide on the fixed amount you want to withdraw each month. Ensure this amount is sustainable based on your investment and expected returns.

Schedule Withdrawals: Set up the SWP with your mutual fund house, specifying the withdrawal amount and frequency (e.g., monthly).

Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your SWP to ensure it meets your financial goals. Adjust the withdrawal amount if necessary to match your expenses and investment performance.

Balancing Risk and Return
While FDs offer safety, actively managed funds provide the potential for higher returns. It is essential to strike a balance between risk and return. You can allocate a portion of your funds to FDs for stability and the rest to actively managed funds for growth.

Creating a Diversified Portfolio
A diversified portfolio can provide a balance of safety, income, and growth. You can include a mix of FDs, actively managed funds, and other investment options. This approach can help mitigate risks and enhance returns.

Planning for Monthly Income
For generating a monthly income, you can consider a combination of FDs and Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) from mutual funds. SWPs allow you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investment regularly. This can provide a steady stream of income.

Emergency Fund
It is crucial to set aside an emergency fund before investing. This fund should cover at least six months' worth of expenses. FDs can be a good option for an emergency fund due to their liquidity and safety.

Estate Planning
Consider estate planning to ensure a smooth transfer of assets to your heirs. Nominate beneficiaries for your FDs and mutual funds. This can help avoid legal hassles and ensure your loved ones are taken care of.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation. This can help manage risk and optimize returns.

Conclusion
FDs can be a good option for generating a stable monthly income. They offer safety, predictable returns, and convenience. However, they may not keep pace with inflation and the interest income is taxable.

Actively managed funds provide the potential for higher returns and diversification. Investing in these funds through a certified financial planner can enhance your overall investment strategy. Consider surrendering high-cost investment products like LIC, ULIP, and investment-cum-insurance policies and reinvesting in mutual funds for better returns.

Creating a diversified portfolio that includes FDs and mutual funds can provide a balance of stability and growth. Plan for a regular income through a combination of FDs and SWPs. Ensure you have an emergency fund in place and consider estate planning.

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay on track with your financial goals. By carefully evaluating your options and making informed decisions, you can achieve a stable and growing monthly income from your investments.

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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 22, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I am 34years old and has a income of 80000 permonth. Emi -35k House Expenses-30k . No savings till now. I am married and expecting a baby this year.please suggest me sip or fd ?
Ans: Financial Planning for Your Growing Family

Congratulations on the exciting news of expecting a baby! This is indeed a significant milestone in your life journey. As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the importance of making wise financial decisions, especially during such transformative times. Let's assess your current situation and explore suitable options for you.

Assessment of Current Situation

It's great that you've reached out for financial guidance, especially with a new addition to your family on the horizon. Let's start by evaluating your current financial scenario.

You're 34 years old, with a monthly income of ?80,000. After deducting your EMIs (?35,000) and house expenses (?30,000), it seems you don't have any savings yet. This indicates that there's room for improvement in managing your finances effectively, particularly with a baby on the way.

Understanding Your Options

Considering your circumstances, you're contemplating between Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and Fixed Deposits (FDs). Let's delve into both options to determine the most suitable approach for you.

SIPs:

SIPs are a popular investment avenue for wealth creation over the long term. They offer the benefit of rupee cost averaging and the potential for higher returns compared to traditional savings instruments like FDs. However, it's crucial to note that SIPs are subject to market risks.

Fixed Deposits:

FDs, on the other hand, provide a fixed rate of interest over a predetermined period, offering stability and security. While FDs are less volatile compared to equity investments like SIPs, they typically offer lower returns, which may not outpace inflation in the long run.

Recommendation:

Given your age and the upcoming financial responsibilities associated with parenthood, I would recommend prioritizing long-term wealth accumulation over short-term gains. Therefore, SIPs could be a more suitable option for you.

Benefits of SIPs:

Potential for Higher Returns: SIPs have historically delivered superior returns compared to traditional saving instruments like FDs, helping you build wealth over time.
Diversification: SIPs allow you to invest in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds, spreading your risk across various asset classes.
Flexibility: You can start SIPs with a small amount and increase your investment gradually, making it accessible for individuals with varying financial capacities.
Disadvantages of FDs:

Limited Returns: FDs offer fixed returns, which may not keep pace with inflation, leading to a reduction in purchasing power over time.
Lack of Flexibility: Once you invest in an FD, your funds are locked in for a specific tenure, limiting liquidity and flexibility.
Action Plan:

Start SIPs in mutual funds that align with your risk profile and financial goals. A diversified portfolio can help mitigate risk and maximize returns over the long term.
Aim to allocate a portion of your monthly income towards SIPs, considering your expenses and upcoming financial obligations.
Continuously monitor and review your investments to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving financial goals and risk tolerance.
Conclusion:

In conclusion, considering your age, income, and impending parenthood, SIPs offer a more viable option for long-term wealth creation compared to FDs. However, it's essential to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor an investment strategy that suits your unique circumstances and aspirations.

Congratulations once again on the impending arrival of your little one! Wishing you a prosperous financial journey ahead.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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