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Ramalingam Kalirajan |8128 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 08, 2024Hindi

Hello I am 26 years old and my salary is 80k. How should I start investment

Ans: Congratulations on taking the first step towards securing your financial future! At 26, with a salary of 80k, you're in a prime position to kickstart your investment journey. Let's delve into the key strategies and considerations to craft a robust investment plan tailored to your goals.

Understanding Your Financial Goals

Before diving into investments, it's crucial to clarify your financial objectives. Whether it's saving for a house, funding higher education, or retiring comfortably, defining your goals will shape your investment approach.

Assessing Risk Tolerance and Time Horizon

Every investor has a unique risk tolerance and time horizon. Understanding how much risk you're comfortable with and when you'll need access to your funds is paramount in determining the appropriate investment mix.

Diversification: The Cornerstone of Investing

Diversification spreads your investments across different asset classes to mitigate risk. By not putting all your eggs in one basket, you safeguard your portfolio against the volatility of any single investment.

Active vs. Passive Investing: Choosing the Right Approach

While passive investing through index funds or ETFs has gained popularity for its low fees and broad market exposure, it's essential to recognize the limitations. Actively managed funds offer the potential for higher returns through skilled fund managers' strategic decisions.

The Pitfalls of Direct Funds and the Merits of Regular Funds via MFD

Direct funds may seem enticing due to lower expense ratios, but they lack the personalized guidance of a Certified Financial Planner. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials ensures expert advice tailored to your financial goals, enhancing the effectiveness of your investment strategy.

Embracing a Long-Term Mindset

Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Staying focused on your long-term objectives and avoiding impulsive decisions during market fluctuations is key to achieving financial success.

Building a Tax-Efficient Portfolio

Minimizing tax implications is integral to maximizing returns. Utilize tax-efficient investment vehicles such as Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) and Public Provident Fund (PPF) to optimize your portfolio's tax efficiency.

Regular Portfolio Review and Rebalancing

Periodically reviewing your portfolio's performance and rebalancing asset allocations ensures alignment with your evolving financial goals and risk tolerance.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Navigating the complexities of the financial market can be daunting. Partnering with a Certified Financial Planner provides invaluable expertise and personalized guidance to steer your investment journey towards success.

Investing wisely today lays the foundation for a prosperous tomorrow. By incorporating these strategies and staying committed to your financial goals, you're well on your way to achieving financial freedom.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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.