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Which SIP is Best for My Child's Education?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7279 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 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
Hari Question by Hari on Dec 18, 2024Hindi
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Hai sir ok I agree with you but which sip is good for children education can you Tell me the sip name

Ans: Investing in SIPs for your child’s education is a wise decision. Education costs are rising, and proper planning ensures a secure future for your child. Let me guide you with the right framework to select SIPs without naming specific funds.

Factors to Consider While Choosing SIPs

Investment Horizon

If the goal is more than 10 years away, prefer equity-oriented funds.
For goals within 5 years, consider balanced or debt-oriented funds.
Risk Appetite

Choose large-cap or balanced funds if you prefer stability.
Opt for mid-cap and small-cap funds for higher returns with risk tolerance.
Diversification

Avoid investing in too many similar funds to reduce overlap.
Diversify across fund categories for balanced risk and growth.
Past Performance

Focus on funds with consistent long-term performance.
Check if they outperform their benchmark and category peers.
Fund Manager Expertise

Active funds with skilled managers can deliver better returns.
Evaluate their management style and track record.
For Specific Fund Recommendations

Selecting the right SIP depends on your goals and financial situation.
A Certified Financial Planner or MFD can assess your unique needs.
They will recommend suitable SIPs to match your education goal.
Benefits of Consulting a Certified Financial Planner

A CFP provides a personalised investment plan.
They help monitor and rebalance your portfolio regularly.
This ensures your investments stay aligned with your education goal.
Final Insights

Start SIPs early to benefit from compounding. Contact a CFP or MFD for specific fund recommendations tailored to your goals. A customised approach ensures optimal results for your child’s education.

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  |7279 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

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Hello sir , I am 32 year old I am a salaried person around 60k per month and want to start SIP for my children education I have two children one is 6 year old and another one is 3 year old. Please suggest me the best
Ans: It's fantastic that you're thinking ahead and planning for your children's education at such a young age. Starting SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) is a smart way to build a corpus for their future educational expenses.
Considering your financial situation and your children's ages, here's a suggested approach:
1. Set Clear Goals: Determine the amount you'll need for each child's education, factoring in inflation and the type of education you aspire for them. This will help you set realistic investment targets.
2. Choose Suitable SIPs: Opt for diversified equity mutual funds that have a track record of consistent performance and align with your investment goals and risk tolerance. Look for funds with a long-term horizon and a focus on capital appreciation.
3. Allocate Funds Wisely: Divide your SIP investments among different funds to spread risk and maximize growth potential. Consider a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to achieve diversification and optimize returns.
4. Start Early and Stay Consistent: Time is your biggest ally when it comes to investing. Start your SIPs as soon as possible to benefit from the power of compounding. Even small, regular investments can grow substantially over time with discipline and consistency.
5. Review and Adjust Regularly: Periodically review your SIP investments to ensure they're on track to meet your goals. Make adjustments as needed based on changes in your financial situation, market conditions, and investment objectives.
6. Stay Disciplined: Avoid the temptation to withdraw or stop your SIPs during market fluctuations. Stay focused on your long-term goals and continue investing consistently, regardless of short-term market movements.
7. Consider Tax Implications: Keep tax efficiency in mind while selecting SIPs. Opt for funds with favorable tax treatment like Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) for potential tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Remember, education is one of the most valuable investments you can make for your children's future. By starting SIPs early and staying disciplined, you can build a solid financial foundation to provide them with the best opportunities for education.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7279 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2024Hindi
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Thankyou for the indepth analysis and encouragement.. im planning to do my sip's in a manner of increasing investment by 15 percent every year .. is it better to do a sip on a mutual fund or begin a tailor-made education policy for an amount of 1 crore for my childs education, within the next 15 years sir? If yes, plz do mention the name of funds, i will do more research
Ans: You have a noble goal to secure your child's education. Increasing SIP investments by 15% annually is a wise approach.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
SIPs in mutual funds can offer substantial growth over time.

Benefits of SIPs
Compounding: Regular investments compound over time. This leads to exponential growth.

Rupee Cost Averaging: Investing a fixed amount regularly reduces the impact of market volatility.

Flexibility: You can start with a small amount and increase it. This matches your plan to increase investments by 15% yearly.

Liquidity: Mutual funds offer easy liquidity. You can withdraw funds when needed for your child's education.

Professional Management: Actively managed funds have professional fund managers. They aim to outperform the market.

Disadvantages of SIPs
Market Risk: SIPs are subject to market risks. However, long-term investments typically smooth out these risks.
Education Policy
Education policies are often insurance products combined with investment.

Benefits of Education Policy
Guaranteed Returns: They offer guaranteed returns. This provides a sense of security.

Insurance Coverage: They often include insurance. This can be beneficial in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Disadvantages of Education Policy
Lower Returns: Returns are usually lower compared to mutual funds. This affects the overall growth of your investment.

Less Flexibility: These policies are less flexible. Early withdrawal may incur penalties.

High Costs: They come with higher costs and charges. This reduces the net returns.

Why SIPs are Better
Higher Returns: Mutual funds, especially equity funds, offer higher returns. This helps in achieving the 1 crore goal faster.

Flexibility and Liquidity: SIPs provide flexibility in investments. They also offer easy liquidity when needed.

Professional Management: Actively managed funds can outperform market indices. This leads to better growth.

Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner
Professional Guidance: A CFP can guide you to choose the best mutual funds. They provide valuable insights and manage your investments.

Regular Funds: Investing through a CFP offers advisory services. Direct funds lack this professional guidance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Lack of Advice: Direct funds do not offer advisory services. This can lead to mismanagement of funds.

Higher Effort: Managing direct funds requires more effort and knowledge. It may not be suitable for everyone.

Avoid Index Funds
Disadvantages: Index funds simply mimic the market. They lack professional management.

Lower Returns: Actively managed funds often outperform index funds. Fund managers adjust for market conditions.

Final Insights
Increasing SIP investments by 15% annually is a wise decision. SIPs in mutual funds offer higher returns, flexibility, and professional management. Education policies, while secure, provide lower returns and less flexibility. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice. They can help create a tailored plan to achieve your goal of 1 crore for your child's education.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7279 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 17, 2024Hindi
Money
Question on Financial Planning: I am 53 years old and took retirement in 2023, a year ago. I have a corpus of approximately ?20 crores allocated as follows: ?6.5 crores in stocks ?5 crores in mutual funds ?5 crores in debt instruments ?2 crores in gold ?1.8 crores in a savings bank account** (to cover the next 12 years of household expenses). My monthly expenses are approximately ?1 lakh, and I receive: ?70,000 per month as house rent (?8.4 lakhs annually) ?10 lakhs annually as dividends from stocks. I have allocated ?5 crores in debt instruments to fund the higher education of my two sons (expenses will arise after 1 year and after 4 years). My goal is to grow my equity portfolio over the next 12 years since I do not depend on it for my current monthly expenses. Additionally: I have adequate health insurance. I own properties worth ?7.5 crores. I have no liabilities. My query: Is my financial planning on track, or do you see any areas for improvement or correction? I am open to suggestions for optimizing my investments, especially considering my goals of equity growth, funding my sons' education, and maintaining a comfortable retirement.
Ans: Your financial planning reflects strong foresight and effective resource allocation. With a corpus of Rs. 20 crores and no liabilities, your position is financially stable. Let us evaluate your financial setup from a 360-degree perspective and suggest areas for optimisation.

Assessment of Current Allocations
Equity Portfolio: Stocks (Rs. 6.5 Crores)
Your equity allocation reflects a growth-oriented approach.
A diversified stock portfolio is ideal for long-term growth.
Ensure the portfolio is well-balanced across sectors and market capitalisations.
Mutual Funds (Rs. 5 Crores)
Mutual funds provide diversification and professional management.
Review the fund categories to maintain a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.
Regular performance reviews are essential to optimise returns.
Debt Instruments (Rs. 5 Crores)
Allocating Rs. 5 crores for your sons’ education is prudent.
Ensure the debt investments are in low-risk instruments like bonds or fixed deposits.
Laddering maturity dates aligns well with your sons’ educational timelines.
Gold (Rs. 2 Crores)
Gold provides stability during market volatility.
Keep it as a hedge against inflation but avoid further allocation to this asset.
Savings Account (Rs. 1.8 Crores)
Holding Rs. 1.8 crores for 12 years of expenses is a cautious approach.
Move a part of this amount into liquid funds for better returns with liquidity.
Income and Monthly Expenses
Rental Income (Rs. 8.4 Lakhs Annually)
Rental income covers 70% of your monthly expenses.
Ensure the rental property is well-maintained to sustain consistent returns.
Dividends (Rs. 10 Lakhs Annually)
Dividend income provides an additional safety net.
Reinvest surplus dividends into mutual funds for compounded growth.
Monthly Expenses (Rs. 1 Lakh)
Your monthly expenses are comfortably managed.
Maintain a contingency fund of at least Rs. 20-25 lakhs for unexpected costs.
Recommendations for Optimising Equity Portfolio
Focus on Quality Stocks

Prioritise stocks of companies with strong fundamentals and consistent earnings.
Avoid overexposure to any single sector or company.
Systematic Equity Investments

Add to your equity portfolio gradually through Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs).
This reduces market timing risks.
Regular Portfolio Review

Review the equity portfolio annually.
Exit underperforming stocks and reallocate to high-growth opportunities.
Enhancing Mutual Fund Returns
Diversify Fund Selection

Include funds with different strategies to maximise returns.
A Certified Financial Planner can help identify high-performing funds.
Avoid Direct Mutual Funds

Regular funds offer advisory support for timely rebalancing.
This helps navigate market volatility effectively.
Utilise Tax-Efficient Withdrawals

Plan withdrawals systematically to reduce tax liability on capital gains.
Debt Instruments: Securing Educational Goals
Low-Risk Instruments for Predictable Returns

Allocate funds to secure options like government bonds, fixed deposits, or debt mutual funds.
Match the maturity timelines with educational milestones.
Avoid Premature Withdrawals

Breaking long-term debt investments can reduce returns.
Use other funds for emergencies to protect this allocation.
Optimising Gold Allocation
Retain as a Hedge

Gold should form no more than 10% of your portfolio.
Avoid further investments unless there are specific requirements.
Leverage Gold for Liquidity

Gold-backed loans can provide temporary liquidity if needed.
Savings Account Allocation
Move Funds to Liquid Investments

Savings account returns are suboptimal for such a large balance.
Move funds into liquid funds for higher returns and liquidity.
Emergency Fund Segregation

Retain Rs. 50 lakhs for immediate emergencies.
Invest the rest in short-term debt instruments or liquid funds.
Maintaining a Comfortable Retirement
Healthcare Planning

Ensure health insurance policies are adequate for critical illnesses.
Maintain a separate corpus for medical emergencies.
Contingency Fund Maintenance

Keep Rs. 20-25 lakhs readily accessible for unforeseen expenses.
Review this fund periodically to adjust for inflation.
Estate Planning

Draft a will to avoid disputes and ensure smooth wealth transfer.
Assign nominees for all investments and properties.
Taxation Considerations
Equity Taxation

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakhs are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Debt Taxation

Debt instruments are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Choose tax-efficient options like tax-free bonds if needed.
Dividend Income

Dividends are taxed at your marginal income tax rate.
Reinvest dividends for tax-efficient growth.
Final Insights
Your financial plan is well-structured and aligns with your goals. However, optimising your equity and mutual fund allocations can enhance growth potential. Move idle funds from your savings account into liquid investments for better returns. Review and rebalance your portfolio periodically with the help of a Certified Financial Planner. Your current strategy provides a secure foundation for funding education, retirement, and wealth growth.

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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