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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

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
RK Question by RK on Nov 13, 2025Hindi
Money

Sir ! It is a follow up question. I have purchased a land in 2012 at 5L and current market value of 20L. I have a buyer, who is ready to pay 18L for same. Shall I wait for reaping more yield from the plot appreciation value in future or sell the plot right now and invest the money in MF? Request your guidance.

Ans: You may sell the plot now and invest the amount in mutual funds. Real estate growth is slow and illiquid. Mutual funds offer better compounding, flexibility, and tax efficiency over time.

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

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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 29, 2024

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My self Shubham , I have agriculture land whose value is around 1.5 cr and right now i m getting 2 lakh rs annually as i have given my land in lease for farming i m thinking to sell my land to put that money some where else what is ur suggestion whether i sell it or not. N what is the future of agriculture land in india if i keep it with self for more 10-15 years right now my age is 27 Thank you
Ans: Dear Shubham,

Thank you for reaching out with your query. Your decision to either sell your agricultural land or retain it for future gains is a significant one and requires careful consideration. Here’s a detailed assessment to help you make an informed decision.

Evaluating the Future of Agricultural Land in India
Increasing Demand for Agricultural Land
India’s growing population and rising food demand suggest that agricultural land will continue to be valuable. The government’s focus on improving agricultural productivity and rural infrastructure could increase land value. Additionally, advancements in agricultural technology can boost land productivity, making agricultural land a potentially lucrative long-term investment.

Urbanization and Industrialization
As urban areas expand, agricultural land near cities may become prime targets for real estate development. This could significantly increase the land's value. However, this also depends on the land’s location and its proximity to urban centers. If your land is near an expanding urban area, its value might appreciate considerably over the next 10-15 years.

Assessing Your Current Returns and Future Potential
Current Lease Income
Currently, you are earning Rs. 2 lakh annually from leasing your land. This provides a steady, although relatively modest, income. Over the next 10-15 years, lease rates might increase, providing higher annual returns. However, this income may not match potential returns from other investment avenues.

Potential Appreciation
Agricultural land has historically shown significant appreciation in value over time. Keeping the land for another 10-15 years might result in a substantial increase in its value, especially if located near growing urban areas or if agricultural policies favor landowners.

Investment Alternatives if You Sell
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds can offer diversified exposure to different asset classes. Actively managed funds, guided by professional fund managers, can potentially provide higher returns than the agricultural lease income. Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to select funds aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC)
Investing in PPF or NSC can provide stable, tax-free returns with government-backed security. These are suitable for conservative investors looking for long-term wealth accumulation with tax benefits.

Equities and Bonds
Investing in equities offers potential for high returns, though with higher risk. Bonds, on the other hand, provide stable income and are less risky. A balanced portfolio, combining equities and bonds, can offer a good mix of growth and stability.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs in mutual funds allow for disciplined investing with potential for good returns over the long term. They help mitigate market volatility through rupee cost averaging. This can be a good option for regular and systematic investments.

Pros and Cons of Selling vs. Keeping the Land
Selling the Land
Pros:

Immediate access to a significant amount of capital.
Opportunity to invest in diversified financial instruments.
Potential for higher returns compared to lease income.
Cons:

Loss of a tangible asset that could appreciate over time.
No guarantee that new investments will outperform future land value.
Keeping the Land
Pros:

Steady lease income with potential for future increases.
Possibility of significant value appreciation, especially near urban areas.
Retaining a physical asset provides a sense of security.
Cons:

Lower current returns compared to potential investment alternatives.
Opportunity cost of not utilizing capital for higher returns.
Conclusion
Given your age (27) and the long investment horizon (10-15 years), you have time on your side. If your land is in a promising location near urban expansion, retaining it could be beneficial due to potential appreciation. However, if you seek higher returns and are comfortable with investing in diversified financial instruments, selling the land and reinvesting the proceeds could be a wise choice.

Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner to develop a personalized investment strategy. They can help balance risk and returns, ensuring your financial goals are met effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 11, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir , I am 44 years with following investment portfolio I have monthly in hand salary of around 3 lac with monthly SIP of 85k , current corpus is at 82 lacs, mostly in equity mf. I have two flats in ggn with combined valuation of 1.2 Cr ( No loans) yielding me around 30 k rents monthly. I have a fiat where I live in Mumbai , I have taken around 1.16 Cr loan on that , current EMI rs 1.25 lacs. As of Now balance loan tenure is 10.5 years, however I am targeting to pay of this loan by next 7/8 years. Currently my pf balance is around 30 lacs that includes my vpf @ 12% with current monthly contribution of around 60 k ( incl vpf). I have ppf maturing next years with around 30 lac, Additionally wife ppf account with 15 lac will Mature in next 5 years( estimated corpus would be around 25 lacs on maturity). I have corporate nps with currently 15 lac , with current annual contribution of around 2.9 lac equivalent to 14% of my basic salary, Though I have a corporate medical from my company with 15 lac as sum assured for all family members , I have my personal medical insurance as well with 20 lac sum insured in that .I bought a pure term plan 2 years back with 1.5 Cr as sum insured . Our current house hold expenses is around 75-85 k per month which includes grocery, maid, utility charges, child school fee and tuition etc. I have a son in class 9 at present . I am a bit confused on Should I sell of one of flat in ggn ( valued around 65 lac) as I do not expect any major appreciation. If yes what should I do with that fund? Put it in mf or pay my home loan partially. My future goals ( estimated) . Child education 75 lacs in next 4-5 years . Another 50 lac for his marriage in next 12 years . To be able to retire with atleast 10-12 Cr in savings excl property in next 8-10 yes ( 52-55 yrs of age) . What should be way forward and right approach and planning to look for a comfortable retirement at the age of 52-55 years of age. . SJ
Ans: You have done very well so far. Balancing high salary, disciplined SIP, PF, PPF, and NPS shows strong financial discipline. Having no loans on two flats and already creating Rs. 82 lakh corpus is remarkable. You are well insured, and family needs are covered. Now the focus is how to align assets for education, loan repayment, and early retirement.

» Current Financial Snapshot
– Age 44, wife, son in class 9.
– Monthly salary: Rs. 3 lakh in hand.
– SIP: Rs. 85,000 monthly.
– Corpus: Rs. 82 lakh, mostly equity mutual funds.
– PF: Rs. 30 lakh with Rs. 60,000 contribution monthly (includes VPF).
– PPF: Rs. 30 lakh maturing next year, wife’s PPF Rs. 15 lakh maturing in 5 years.
– NPS: Rs. 15 lakh with Rs. 2.9 lakh annual contribution.
– Properties: Two flats in Gurgaon worth Rs. 1.2 crore giving Rs. 30,000 rent.
– Mumbai flat with Rs. 1.16 crore loan, EMI Rs. 1.25 lakh, 10.5 years left.
– Insurance: Corporate medical Rs. 15 lakh, personal medical Rs. 20 lakh, term plan Rs. 1.5 crore.
– Monthly expenses: Rs. 75,000 to 85,000.

This shows solid savings rate and diversified base.

» Child Education Goal
You expect Rs. 75 lakh needed in 4 to 5 years. This is critical and close. Your current equity corpus of Rs. 82 lakh can help. You must protect part of this from market volatility. Start shifting the needed amount gradually into safer options over next 2 to 3 years. This ensures stability when you actually need funds. Do not depend only on selling property or timing the market.

» Child Marriage Goal
You expect Rs. 50 lakh in 12 years. This goal has longer time. You can allow equity allocation to work here. Keep SIPs running and align this amount to long-term mutual fund investments. Active fund management with CFP monitoring will help to manage risks better than passive index funds. Index funds only follow the market and give no cushion during crashes. Active funds bring flexibility.

» Retirement Corpus Goal
You want Rs. 10 to 12 crore by age 52 to 55. This is possible if savings discipline continues. You already have strong inflows in PF, PPF, NPS, and SIPs. Your total yearly investments are above Rs. 18 lakh. With compounding and growth from equity, you can reach the target. But only if you balance loan repayment smartly and do not overcommit to property.

» Gurgaon Flat Decision
You are considering selling one flat worth Rs. 65 lakh. Rent yield is very low at Rs. 30,000 combined for both flats. That is hardly 3% return. Property appreciation is uncertain, and liquidity is low. Selling one flat can free Rs. 65 lakh. You can either reduce your Mumbai home loan or invest. If you prepay loan, you save 8 to 9% interest. That is risk-free saving. If you invest, you can target 11 to 12% return with equity and debt mix. Loan EMI reduction will also free monthly cash flow. Both options are valid, but considering your target of early retirement, partial loan repayment will reduce stress and secure your plan.

» Home Loan Strategy
Your current EMI is Rs. 1.25 lakh. That is almost half of salary. You want to finish in 7 to 8 years. Selling one flat and using proceeds partly for prepayment is good. You can keep balance for education or investment. This way you reduce loan faster and keep stability. Once loan is closed, cash flow of Rs. 1.25 lakh per month is released for retirement corpus building.

» Role of PF and PPF
PF is already Rs. 30 lakh with Rs. 60,000 monthly contribution. This is a strong long-term base. PPF of Rs. 30 lakh maturing next year should be extended. It is safe and tax-free. Wife’s PPF will also add to corpus in 5 years. These instruments provide stability and diversification away from equity.

» Role of NPS
Corporate NPS of Rs. 15 lakh with Rs. 2.9 lakh annual contribution is valuable. It gives tax benefits and long-term growth. Continue this. But remember, NPS has mandatory annuity component at retirement. Annuity gives low return. So do not depend only on NPS. Treat it as partial support, not main retirement source.

» Insurance and Risk Protection
Term cover of Rs. 1.5 crore is fine. Health cover of Rs. 35 lakh total is also fine. You can increase medical cover slightly in future, but for now it is adequate. Keep these updated as family ages.

» Asset Allocation Strategy
Currently, large portion is equity mutual funds. That is fine for growth. But as goals approach, you must rebalance. For child education in 4 to 5 years, reduce equity gradually. For retirement in 8 to 10 years, continue strong equity exposure. This balances safety and growth. Active mutual funds with CFP review are better than direct or index funds. Direct funds need self-management and can lead to wrong choices. Regular funds through CFP give better tracking and discipline.

» Cash Flow and Lifestyle
Your household expenses are Rs. 85,000. EMI is Rs. 1.25 lakh. SIP is Rs. 85,000. PF contribution Rs. 60,000. You are saving over 50% of income. This is excellent. Continue same. After loan closure, savings rate will further rise.

» Estate Planning
With multiple assets across PF, PPF, NPS, property, and mutual funds, estate planning is important. Write a Will clearly mentioning distribution. Update nominations everywhere. This avoids disputes later and protects your son’s future.

» Risks to Watch
– Equity volatility in short term may hurt education fund if not shifted.
– Property liquidity is low. Selling may take time.
– Loan EMI is high. If income reduces, stress will rise.
– Inflation will raise education and retirement costs. Corpus must grow faster.
– Taxation on FD interest or property rent will reduce effective income.

» Recommended Way Forward
– Sell one Gurgaon flat worth Rs. 65 lakh. Use part for Mumbai loan prepayment.
– Keep balance from sale to fund child education over next 4 to 5 years.
– Shift portion of equity corpus gradually into safer instruments for education.
– Continue SIPs for retirement and marriage goals.
– Extend PPF maturity and continue contributions.
– Keep NPS contributions running as corporate benefit.
– After loan closure, redirect EMI amount fully into retirement investments.
– Review asset allocation with CFP every year for balance between growth and safety.

» Finally
You are in a very strong position. Your discipline and savings rate are already high. Selling one property will simplify, reduce loan stress, and free funds for education. Retirement target of Rs. 10 to 12 crore is realistic if you keep current pace. Balance safety with growth, protect near-term goals, and use CFP expertise to align investments. With this approach, you will educate your son well, retire early, and live with dignity.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..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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