I have gone through your suggestions on mutual funds. I am really thankful that you give timely and valid suggestions on investments. I am 41 now and like to start investing in mutual funds. I am looking to invest for 15 years and expected return is 14%. I have 25 lakh to invest as lump sum and then I can invest 1 lakh per month with 10 % increase yearly in SIP.

Looking for your kind advice on the plan and suggested SIPs.

Ans: You may consider these funds:

• Axis Esg Equity Fund - Growth
• Uti Flexi Cap Fund -growth
• Samco Flexi Cap Fund - Growth
• Hdfc Index Fund - Sensex Plan - Growth

Ans: Given your long-term investment horizon of 10-15 years and your willingness to invest Rs. 2000 per month, you can consider investing in a diversified equity mutual fund. These funds typically invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, offering growth potential over the long term while spreading out risk.

Look for funds with a proven track record of consistent performance and a fund manager with a strong investment strategy. Some suitable options may include diversified equity funds with a focus on growth and a history of delivering competitive returns relative to their benchmark indices.

Remember to conduct thorough research or consult with a financial advisor to ensure the fund aligns with your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon.

Ans: At 61+, preserving your capital while aiming for growth is key. Given your age, it's crucial to balance between safety and returns. Here's how you can approach this investment:

Factors to Consider
Risk Tolerance: As a pensioner, your risk tolerance might be lower. It's essential to invest in funds that provide a balance between growth and safety.

Investment Horizon: With a 5-year horizon, your focus should be on funds that can provide steady returns with limited volatility.

Income Requirements: If you rely on this investment for income, consider funds that offer regular dividends or have a history of consistent performance.

Suggested Fund Allocation
Here’s a diversified approach to investing Rs. 10,000 per month:

Large-Cap Mutual Funds (40%): These funds invest in large, well-established companies with a strong track record. They are relatively safer and provide steady growth over time. Allocate Rs. 4,000 per month here. These funds are less volatile and provide stability to your portfolio.

Balanced Advantage Funds (30%): These funds automatically adjust the equity-debt allocation based on market conditions. This dynamic allocation helps in managing risk while aiming for decent returns. Allocate Rs. 3,000 per month here. This provides a good balance between equity growth and debt stability.

Debt Mutual Funds (20%): Debt funds invest in government securities, bonds, and other fixed-income instruments. They are lower risk and provide stable returns. Allocate Rs. 2,000 per month here. This will provide a safety net and reduce overall portfolio risk.

Large & Mid-Cap Funds (10%): These funds invest in a mix of large-cap and mid-cap companies. They offer growth potential while managing risk better than pure mid-cap or small-cap funds. Allocate Rs. 1,000 per month here. This allows some growth potential without too much additional risk.

Why Avoid High-Risk Funds?
At this stage in life, it's crucial to prioritize capital preservation. High-risk funds like small-cap or sector-specific funds can be volatile and may not suit your risk profile. It's better to focus on funds that offer a balance between safety and moderate growth.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Review Your Portfolio Annually: It’s important to review your portfolio annually to ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. You may need to adjust the allocation based on the performance of the funds and any changes in your financial situation.

Consider Professional Guidance: Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you tailor your investments to your specific needs and circumstances. They can also assist in rebalancing your portfolio over time.

Final Insights
For a pensioner at 61+, a balanced approach that includes large-cap, balanced advantage, debt, and large & mid-cap funds will help you achieve moderate returns while minimizing risk. This strategy aims to grow your investment while preserving your capital over the 5-year period.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Hello;

Since you have moderate risk profile, I propose the following type of funds and respective sip allocation;

1. Flexicap type mutual fund:15 K
PPFAS flexicap fund
2. Large cap type mutual fund :15 K
ICICI Pru Bluechip fund
3. Large and Midcap type mutual fund: 15 K
Mirae Asset Large and Midcap fund

This will ensure your exposure to large caps is high, mid caps is medium and small caps is low.

For further risk moderation you may also consider hybrid funds like BAFs and aggressive hybrid equity oriented funds but the time horizon may need to be extended in that case.

This SIP(45 K) over 10 years will only yield you a corpus of 1 Cr.

If you are aiming 2 Cr in 10 years then I would recommend you to either double the sip amount to 90 K from 45 K or top-up the sip amount of 45 K by a minimum of 17% each year upto 10 years to reach your intended corpus of 2 Cr.(12% moderate return considered from pure equity mutual funds)

Happy Investing;

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.