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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7012 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 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
Rahul Question by Rahul on May 08, 2024Hindi
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Money

Hello sir I am 24 years old. My monthly income is 18000. And I have a two ULIP PLAN in Bajaj Allianz and HDFC sampurna nivesh with monthly 3000 of both. I want to invest more 500 per month in Mutual fund, Is it better to invest?

Ans: it's commendable that you're considering additional investments at such a young age. Let's delve into your options:

Disadvantages of ULIPs: ULIPs, or Unit Linked Insurance Plans, often come bundled with high charges, including premium allocation charges, policy administration charges, and fund management charges. These charges can significantly reduce the returns on your investment over the long term. Additionally, ULIPs typically offer limited flexibility in terms of fund choices and lock-in periods, restricting your ability to adapt to changing financial goals or market conditions.
Advantages of Mutual Funds: Mutual funds offer several advantages over ULIPs. They provide greater transparency regarding charges, allowing you to understand the costs associated with your investment. Moreover, mutual funds offer a wide range of investment options across asset classes, such as equity, debt, and hybrid funds, catering to various risk appetites and investment objectives. Mutual funds also offer flexibility, enabling you to adjust your investment strategy as needed without incurring significant penalties.
Considering your age and income level, investing an additional 500 rupees per month in mutual funds would be a prudent decision. It allows you to benefit from the power of compounding over the long term and diversify your investment portfolio beyond ULIPs. You can choose mutual fund schemes based on your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals, ensuring a more customized approach to wealth creation.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner
www.HolisticInvestment.in
Asked on - May 08, 2024 | Answered on May 08, 2024
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Thank you so much Sir.
Ans: Welcome :)
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  |7012 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

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Hi Sir, This is my investment per month kindly advise on the following, my inhand salary per month is Rs 85000.00 Should i increase it or start in new Mutual Funds Investment Particulars Amount per Month Aditya Birla Sun life gold 2000 HDFC Small Cap 4000 Axis long term equity 6000 Tata Digital India Fund 3000 ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 index fund 5000 Total 20000
Ans: Your commitment to investing Rs 20,000 monthly towards your financial future is commendable. You are on the right path.

Review of Existing Investments:

Let's analyze your current mutual fund investments to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Aditya Birla Sun Life Gold:

Gold funds can hedge against inflation and market volatility. However, their returns are less predictable compared to equity funds.

HDFC Small Cap:

Small-cap funds offer high growth potential but come with higher volatility. They are suitable for long-term investors with a higher risk appetite.

Axis Long Term Equity:

This is an Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), which provides tax benefits under Section 80C. It is a good choice for tax-saving and long-term growth.

Tata Digital India Fund:

Sectoral funds like this focus on specific sectors. They offer high returns if the sector performs well but come with higher risk due to lack of diversification.

ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 Index Fund:

Index funds track the performance of a specific index. They are cost-effective but lack the potential for outperformance compared to actively managed funds.

Recommendations for Portfolio Optimization
Diversification and Risk Management:

Your current portfolio has a good mix but can be optimized further for better risk management and growth potential.

Balanced Allocation:

Ensure a balanced allocation between large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and sectoral funds to spread risk and maximize returns.

Reducing Overlap and Adding New Funds:

Consider reducing exposure to overlapping funds and adding new diversified equity funds to enhance portfolio stability.

Suggested Changes and Additions
Retain:

Axis Long Term Equity: Continue for tax benefits and long-term growth.
HDFC Small Cap: Keep for high growth potential, but monitor its volatility.
Consider Replacing or Reducing:

Aditya Birla Sun Life Gold: Reduce allocation to gold funds as they offer lower returns compared to equities over the long term.
Tata Digital India Fund: Reduce allocation to sectoral funds to minimize risk due to lack of diversification.
Balanced and Diversified Funds:

Introduce balanced funds or diversified equity funds for better stability and growth.

New Investment Recommendations
Additional Rs 20,000 Allocation:

Here's how you can allocate an additional Rs 20,000 per month for optimal returns.

Large-Cap and Bluechip Funds:

Increase allocation in large-cap funds for stability and consistent returns.

Mid-Cap and Multi-Cap Funds:

Add mid-cap and multi-cap funds for balanced growth and diversification.

Balanced/Hybrid Funds:

Introduce balanced funds for a mix of equity and debt, providing growth with reduced risk.

Creating a Stable Portfolio
Balanced Allocation:

Ensure a balanced allocation between large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and balanced funds to achieve a well-diversified portfolio.

Regular Review and Rebalancing:

Review your portfolio regularly and rebalance annually to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Risk Management:

Ensure your portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Perils of Direct Investing
Market Volatility:

Direct investing in the stock market can expose you to significant market volatility. Prices can fluctuate widely, affecting the value of your investments.

Lack of Diversification:

Investing in individual stocks may lead to a lack of diversification, increasing risk as your investment is concentrated in fewer securities.

Research and Knowledge:

Direct investing requires extensive research and market knowledge. Without proper understanding, you may make uninformed decisions leading to losses.

Emotional Investing:

Investors often make emotional decisions based on market movements, leading to buying high and selling low, which can erode returns.

Time-Consuming:

Managing a portfolio of individual stocks is time-consuming. It requires continuous monitoring and adjustment based on market conditions.

Benefits of Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential
Professional Management:

Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) and Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) provide professional management, ensuring your investments are well-researched and diversified.

Holistic Financial Planning:

CFPs offer holistic financial planning, aligning your investments with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing:

Professionals regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.

Reduced Emotional Bias:

Professional management helps in reducing emotional bias, making investment decisions based on logic and analysis.

Suggested Mutual Fund Allocation
Equity Funds:

Large-Cap Funds: 40%
Mid-Cap Funds: 30%
Small-Cap Funds: 20%
Balanced/Hybrid Funds:

Balanced Funds: 10%
Summary
Compliment and Encouragement:

Your commitment to regular investing and seeking advice shows your dedication to achieving financial goals. Keep up the excellent work.

Action Plan:

Review and adjust your current SIPs to reduce overlap.
Increase allocation in large-cap and balanced funds.
Allocate additional Rs. 20,000 to diversified and balanced funds for stability and growth.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7012 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 22, 2024

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Hello sir I am 36 year old I am dependent only my job I am getting monthly 53k I don't have any EMI and I don't have own house I am paying rent 6000 and my daughter school fees annual 50k sir I am planning to put a mutual fund of money which is better for me please guide me
Ans: You are 36 years old. Your monthly income is Rs 53,000. You have no EMIs and no own house. Your rent is Rs 6,000. Your daughter’s school fees are Rs 50,000 annually.

Importance of Investing in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds can help grow your wealth. They offer professional management and diversification. These features can lead to better returns over time.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are preferred over index funds. Index funds simply follow the market. This means limited returns.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Limited Flexibility: They only follow the index.
No Active Management: No adjustments based on market conditions.
Average Returns: Generally, just follow the market trend.
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds:

Higher Return Potential: Fund managers aim to outperform the market.
Active Adjustments: Portfolio changes based on market trends.
Professional Expertise: Managed by experienced professionals.
Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers many advantages over direct funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of Expert Guidance: No professional advice.
Time-Consuming: Requires constant monitoring.
Higher Risk: Without professional insights, risk increases.
Benefits of Regular Funds with CFP:

Professional Advice: Access to expert insights.
Better Decision Making: Informed investment choices.
Regular Monitoring: Constant portfolio reviews and adjustments.
Risk Management: Strategies to mitigate potential risks.
Recommended Investment Strategy
Start with a SIP: Invest a fixed amount monthly.
Diversify: Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
Long-Term Focus: Aim to invest for at least 10-15 years.
Review Regularly: Monitor performance and adjust as needed.
Steps to Begin
Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Get personalized advice.

Choose Reliable Fund Houses: Ensure they have a good track record.

Start SIP: Automate your monthly investments.

Monitor and Review: Check performance regularly and adjust if necessary.

Financial Planning Tips
Emergency Fund: Keep at least 6 months of expenses as an emergency fund.
Insurance: Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance.
Education Fund: Plan for your daughter’s higher education expenses.
Retirement Planning: Start planning for retirement early.
Final Insights
Investing in mutual funds is a wise decision. Actively managed funds offer better returns than index funds. By investing through a Certified Financial Planner, you get professional advice and regular monitoring. Start with a SIP, diversify your investments, and stay focused on long-term goals. Monitor your investments and adjust as needed for the best results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7012 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi Sir, I am 43 years, i am working in dubai. I have 3 daughters and i want to save more for my daughters education and marriages.. One of my friend suggested to invest in ULIP and i started to investing annaully 255,000 from 2022 (yearly 45k for term insurance, rest money invested in stocks). Could you please guide me, investing in ULIP is good option and i can get good rerurn if i hold for 15-20 years... Also please advise me about the mutual fund investment.. i am planning to invest 5lakhs (50k lumpsum in 10 mutual funds) for 10-15 years... Is this right way to invest, pls guide me the right way ti invest in MF
Ans: It’s commendable that you are focused on saving for your daughters' education and marriages. Let's review your current investments and future plans to provide comprehensive advice.

Current Financial Overview
Age: 43 years old

Location: Dubai

Dependents: Three daughters

Current Investments:

ULIP: Annual investment of Rs. 255,000 (Rs. 45,000 for term insurance, rest in stocks) since 2022
Future Investment Plans: Planning to invest Rs. 5 lakhs (Rs. 50,000 lump sum in 10 mutual funds) for 10-15 years

Good Remarks
Future Planning: Prioritizing your daughters' education and marriages is admirable.

Investment Awareness: Seeking guidance to optimize your investments is a positive step.

Assessment of Current ULIP Investment
ULIP Features
Combination of Insurance and Investment: ULIPs provide both life cover and investment opportunities.

Lock-in Period: ULIPs typically have a lock-in period of 5 years.

Disadvantages of ULIPs
High Charges: ULIPs often have higher charges compared to mutual funds. These include premium allocation, policy administration, and fund management charges.

Lower Returns: The charges can significantly reduce the overall returns. ULIPs may not perform as well as mutual funds.

Recommendation on ULIPs
Evaluate Continuation: Assess the performance and charges of your ULIP. Consider switching to mutual funds if the charges are high and returns are unsatisfactory.
Suggested Mutual Fund Strategy
Benefits of Mutual Funds
Professional Management: Managed by experienced fund managers.

Diversification: Spreads risk across various sectors and companies.

Flexibility: Offers different schemes to match your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Recommended Approach
Avoid Too Many Funds: Investing Rs. 50,000 in 10 mutual funds is excessive. It dilutes the benefits of diversification and becomes hard to manage.

Focused Investment: Instead, choose 3-4 well-performing mutual funds.

Suggested Mutual Fund Categories
Equity Mutual Funds
Large-cap Funds: These invest in large, stable companies. Suitable for long-term growth with moderate risk.

Mid and Small-cap Funds: These invest in medium and small-sized companies. Offer higher growth potential but with higher risk.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt Funds: Invest in fixed income securities. Suitable for stability and regular income.

Balanced Funds: Mix of equity and debt. Offers moderate growth with lower risk.

Investment Strategy
Lump Sum vs. SIP
Lump Sum Investment: Can be beneficial if invested in a growing market. However, it’s riskier due to market volatility.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan): Invest a fixed amount regularly. Helps in averaging the purchase cost and mitigates market timing risk.

Suggested Investment Plan
For Rs. 5 Lakhs Investment
Equity Funds: Invest Rs. 3 lakhs in 3 equity mutual funds (Rs. 1 lakh each). Choose large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Debt Funds: Invest Rs. 2 lakhs in 2 debt mutual funds (Rs. 1 lakh each). Choose funds with a good track record.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Monthly SIP: Consider starting SIPs in these funds. It helps in building wealth over time and reduces risk.
Financial Goals Planning
Daughters' Education and Marriages
Separate Fund: Create dedicated funds for each goal. This helps in better tracking and management.

Long-term Horizon: For goals 10-15 years away, focus on equity mutual funds for higher returns.

Risk Management
Insurance: Ensure adequate health and life insurance coverage. It secures your family’s financial future.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses.

Tax Planning
Tax-saving Investments: Utilize options like ELSS to reduce taxable income and grow wealth.

Efficient Filing: File your taxes accurately and seek professional help if needed.

Final Insights
Regular Review: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to align with your goals.

Professional Guidance: Consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice and strategies.

Stay Informed: Keep learning about personal finance and stay updated on market trends.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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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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