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Ramalingam Kalirajan |9668 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 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

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 13, 2025

Given the significant drop in Sensex and Nifty50, how should individuals with systematic investment plans (SIPs) approach their investments? Should they increase their contributions?

Ans: A market dip presents a unique opportunity for SIP investors. Assess your SIP contributions. Ensure they align with your long-term financial goals. Market fluctuations are normal and temporary.

Benefits of Market Corrections
When markets drop, you get more units for the same SIP amount. This is rupee cost averaging in action. Over time, it reduces the average cost per unit. This helps in compounding returns.

Should You Increase SIP Contributions?
Increasing SIPs in a market dip can be rewarding. If your finances allow, enhance contributions. It amplifies long-term wealth creation. But avoid overburdening your budget.

Revisit Financial Goals
Ensure SIPs match your future aspirations. Align them with your retirement, child’s education, or wealth-building goals. Clarity helps maintain focus.

Assess Risk Appetite
Understand your risk tolerance during volatile markets. Stick to your planned asset allocation. Avoid panic-driven decisions.

Avoid Stopping SIPs
Stopping SIPs during corrections hampers wealth creation. Continue investing regularly. It benefits from market recovery.

Monitor Fund Performance
Track the performance of your selected funds. Ensure they meet benchmarks and objectives. Replace underperformers with better alternatives if needed.

Benefits of Regular Fund Investing with CFP
Regular funds provide professional guidance. They include a Certified Financial Planner’s expertise. Direct funds lack advisory benefits. They might miss personalized strategies.

Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Index funds follow the market. They don’t outperform it. Actively managed funds can beat indices. Fund managers identify growth opportunities.

Tax Implications of Selling SIP Units
Equity funds’ LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%. STCG is taxed at 20%. Debt fund gains are taxed as per your slab. Plan redemptions wisely.

Focus on Long-Term Vision
Market fluctuations are temporary. SIPs are for long-term goals. Patience ensures better results.

Maintain Emergency Corpus
Ensure an emergency fund before increasing SIPs. It covers unexpected expenses. It prevents financial stress.

Review Insurance Policies
Check existing LIC or ULIP policies. They may offer lower returns. Consider surrendering low-performing policies. Reinvest in mutual funds for better growth.

Seek Certified Financial Planner’s Guidance
A Certified Financial Planner offers personalized advice. They align investments with your goals. They help maximize returns.

Finally
Market dips are opportunities, not threats. Continue SIPs with discipline. Align contributions with goals and risk. Seek professional guidance when needed.

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.