Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10246 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 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
Aditya Question by Aditya on Apr 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Hello, I am 30 and its 2 years i have started SIP of ?5k in icici prudential multi asset fund , ?7k in quant elss tax saver fund. I am ready to invest 10k more in sip. Can you please suggest some.

Ans: Two years into your SIP journey, already? That's fantastic! Remember that feeling of starting out, unsure but determined? Well, pat yourself on the back – you're building a secure future, brick by brick. And now you're ready for the next step, like a wise king expanding his kingdom!

Here's the thing: you've got a good foundation with your existing SIPs. The multi-asset fund helps balance things out, while the ELSS fund gives your taxes a haircut – that's a smart king, you are!

Now, with an extra 10k to deploy, consider adding another SIP. Think of it as diversifying your army – you wouldn't want just archers, would you? A well-rounded portfolio helps manage risk. Talk to a fee-based Certified Financial Planner – they're like your royal advisor – to see if a mid-cap or a sector-specific fund might be a good fit for your goals.

Remember, investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay focused, keep those SIPs flowing, and watch your future grow like a bountiful harvest!
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jul 23, 2023

Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 29, 2023

Listen
Money
My Age is 43. my monthly salary is 60K. I am willing to start SIP from Jan-2024. I have a home loan of 20 Lakhs for 20 yrs and have been paying since 2021@ interest rate of 9.15. Other investments are 4 LIC perimium of 1.25 Lakhs annually. I want to invest 10K monthly in best SIP for next 15-20 yrs. Kindly suggest best SIP funds that I can invest to secure my my retirement and family in future. Thank you.
Ans: Selecting a mutual fund for your investment should depend on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Since you're 43 years old, it's crucial to consider factors like how soon you need the money and how comfortable you are with risk. Here are some suggestions for mutual funds to consider, but please consult with a financial advisor for personalized advice:


Diversified Equity Funds: Since you have a longer investment horizon (5+ years) and if you can tolerate moderate risk, consider diversified equity funds. These funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. Examples include SBI Bluechip Fund,Kotak Flexi Cap Fund,TATA Large & Mid Cap

Balanced Funds: These funds invest in a mix of stocks and bonds, which can provide more stability. They are suitable if you have a moderate risk tolerance and a medium-term investment horizon. HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund and ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund are some options.

Debt Funds and Fixed Rate Instruments: If you're risk-averse and need a regular income stream, debt mutual funds could be appropriate. Also, you can consider other fixed rate instruments like Corporate FDs, Private Bonds, P2P Investments, G-Sec Bonds etc as lucrative interest rate scenario prevailing in economy and its good time to lock the money in high yielding debt products.

Index Funds: If you prefer a passive approach to investing, index funds could be a good fit. They aim to replicate the performance of a specific index like the Nifty 50 or Sensex. UTI Nifty Index Fund and HDFC Index Fund - Nifty 50 Plan are examples.

Diversify your investments across a range of asset classes and different investment avenues as stated above to avoid concertation risk and putting all your eggs in one basket.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10246 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi I’m 23 years old and I want to invest 5k per month in Sip for at least 20 years. Can you please suggest some sip's?
Ans: Kickstarting Your Investment Journey at 23: A Smart Move!
Investing ?5,000 per month through SIPs for 20 years is a fantastic decision at your young age! Here are some ideas for potential SIP investments, but remember, this is not financial advice:

Building a Diversified Portfolio:

Equity Funds: Consider investing a portion in equity funds that offer growth potential over the long term. Actively managed equity funds involve experienced fund managers who try to pick stocks to outperform the market. Actively managed funds come with higher fees compared to passively managed funds. You can explore Large-cap, Mid-cap, or Flexi-cap funds based on your risk tolerance.

Debt Funds: Invest a portion in debt funds for stability and to balance your portfolio's risk profile. Debt funds can provide regular income and help manage volatility.

Here's a Sample SIP Allocation (you can adjust based on risk tolerance):

60%: Large-cap or Multi-cap Actively Managed Equity Funds for long-term growth.

20%: Mid-cap Actively Managed Equity Funds for potentially higher growth (with higher risk).

20%: Debt Funds (short/medium/long-term) for stability and income generation.

Important to Remember:

Do Your Research: Research actively managed funds and choose those with a good track record and a reputable fund house.

Review Regularly: Review your SIPs at least annually to ensure they remain aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.

Seeking Professional Guidance:

Personalized Plan: A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can create a personalized SIP plan considering your risk tolerance, investment goals, and future needs. They can suggest specific actively managed funds based on your risk profile.
By starting early, staying invested for the long term, and potentially consulting a CFP, you can be on track to achieving your financial goals!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10246 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 24, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 20, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 34 years old, planning to resign my job after 10 years, want to invest 20000/month in sip, so that i will a get a good amount after 10 yrs, pls suggest which SIP s i need to choose
Ans: At 34 years old, planning for a 10-year investment horizon is a smart move. Resigning from your job after 10 years means you will need a strong corpus to support your financial needs. Investing Rs. 20,000 per month in SIPs is a solid step, but choosing the right mix of funds is crucial for growth, stability, and capital preservation over the long term.

Let’s go through some strategies that can help you reach your goals. I will also provide insights into SIP selections that suit your situation.

Asset Allocation Strategy
Your investments should be balanced between equity and debt to ensure a steady growth rate while managing risk. Given your 10-year horizon, the majority of your SIPs can be focused on equity mutual funds.

Here’s how you can think about the allocation:

Equity Mutual Funds (70%): These funds can give you high returns over the long term. However, they come with risk, so diversification is essential. Investing in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds will give you exposure to different sectors of the market.

Debt Funds (30%): Debt mutual funds offer stability and safety for your investment. They can act as a cushion during market volatility.

This mix will give you a blend of growth and risk management.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds
Many investors consider index funds or ETFs as low-cost alternatives, but in your case, actively managed funds might serve you better.

Here’s why:

Index Funds vs. Actively Managed Funds: Index funds track the market, meaning they cannot outperform it. However, actively managed funds have professional fund managers who select stocks and bonds to outperform the market. This can lead to higher returns over time.

Flexibility in Actively Managed Funds: Fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions. In volatile times, they can switch to safer assets or sectors. This kind of active management adds value, especially when you're looking at a 10-year investment horizon.

Benefits of Regular Plans over Direct Plans
While direct funds have lower expense ratios, they don’t offer professional guidance. In your case, it’s best to invest in regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials.

Here’s why:

Better Guidance: An MFD with CFP certification offers valuable insights into market conditions and the best performing funds. This ensures that your investments are reviewed regularly.

Portfolio Monitoring: Direct funds put the responsibility of managing your portfolio on you. With regular plans, the MFD monitors your portfolio, ensuring your SIPs align with your goals.

Equity Fund Categories to Consider
When investing Rs. 20,000 monthly, diversification is essential. Here are some key fund categories that you should consider, without naming specific schemes:

Large-Cap Funds: These funds invest in stable and well-established companies. They offer steady returns over time with lower risk compared to mid or small-cap funds. Large-cap funds are ideal for core holdings in your portfolio.

Mid-Cap Funds: These funds focus on companies that are in their growth phase. While they are riskier than large-cap funds, they can provide higher returns. Having exposure to mid-cap funds can boost your overall returns.

Small-Cap Funds: These funds target small companies with high growth potential. They come with a higher risk, but over a 10-year period, they have the potential to generate significant returns. Invest in small-cap funds only if you are comfortable with short-term market fluctuations.

Flexi-Cap Funds: These funds invest across market capitalizations (large, mid, and small). They offer flexibility and help you benefit from different market conditions. Flexi-cap funds provide a balanced approach to growth and risk management.

Balanced Advantage Funds: These funds switch between equity and debt based on market conditions. They provide stability in volatile markets and can be a part of your SIP strategy to protect your corpus from excessive risk.

Role of Debt Funds in Your Portfolio
While equity funds will drive your growth, debt funds play an important role in reducing volatility. These funds are safer but offer lower returns. Since you are investing for 10 years, you can allocate a portion of your monthly SIP to debt funds to provide stability to your portfolio.

Some categories to consider include:

Short-Term Debt Funds: These funds offer good liquidity and are less sensitive to interest rate changes. They can provide steady returns while keeping risk low.

Corporate Bond Funds: These funds invest in high-rated corporate bonds. They offer slightly higher returns than government bonds but come with a bit more risk.

Lump Sum Investment for Long-Term Growth
You mentioned having Rs. 3 lakhs to invest as a lump sum. A good approach would be to invest this amount in a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP).

Here’s how it works:

STP Strategy: Invest the Rs. 3 lakh lump sum into a low-risk debt fund initially. Then, gradually transfer a fixed amount into an equity mutual fund over time. This ensures you benefit from rupee-cost averaging and reduces the risk of investing a large amount during a market high.

Diversified Equity Fund: You can transfer the lump sum into a diversified equity fund. This will allow you to benefit from market growth while reducing the impact of short-term market fluctuations.

Tax Implications to Keep in Mind
When investing for a 10-year period, it’s important to be aware of the tax implications of your investments.

Equity Mutual Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity funds over Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. Keep this in mind when redeeming units after 10 years.

Debt Mutual Funds: Both LTCG and STCG on debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This means your returns from debt funds will be added to your income for tax purposes.

This taxation aspect is crucial when planning withdrawals after 10 years.

Increasing Your SIP Contribution
Given your income of Rs. 1.80 lakh monthly and no existing liabilities, it’s advisable to increase your SIP contributions gradually.

Here’s why:

Step-Up SIP: This is a facility where you increase your SIP amount each year. By doing this, your corpus grows faster, allowing you to reach your goal sooner. A small increase of 10-15% each year can make a big difference over 10 years.

Compounding Effect: By increasing your SIP every year, you benefit from the power of compounding. The longer you stay invested and the more you invest, the greater your returns will be over time.

Emergency Fund Consideration
You mentioned that you have Rs. 60 lakh in Fixed Deposits (FDs). While this is a good emergency fund, you might want to reallocate a portion to debt mutual funds. Debt mutual funds can provide better returns than FDs over time, with similar safety.

Here’s how you can manage this:

FDs vs. Debt Funds: FDs offer fixed returns but are less tax-efficient. Debt mutual funds, on the other hand, offer slightly higher returns and are more tax-efficient, especially if held for the long term.

Emergency Fund Size: Keep a portion of your FD as an emergency fund, but consider shifting the rest into debt mutual funds. This way, you’ll still have liquidity, but your money will work harder for you.

Final Insights
Your current SIP investments are well-diversified, but there is room for improvement. Increasing your SIP gradually, rebalancing between equity and debt, and using a systematic transfer plan for lump sum investments will all help boost your corpus over the next 10 years.

Additionally, keep an eye on tax implications when planning withdrawals.

With a disciplined approach, you can achieve your goal of building a solid corpus by the time you plan to resign.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10343 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 17, 2025

Career
Sit Tumkur or bmsit Yelahanka for ece
Ans: Abhishek, Both SIT Tumkur and BMSIT Yelahanka offer competitive Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) programs. SIT Tumkur provides excellent infrastructure on its expansive 68-acre campus, modern labs, robust placement support with 85–90% placement rates, and faculty renowned for deep subject expertise and student mentorship. It also has active clubs, research opportunities, and major campus festivals enhancing holistic development. BMSIT Yelahanka, affiliated to VTU Bangalore and NAAC A-accredited, boasts a strategic urban location, industry exposure, well-equipped labs, experienced faculty, and strong placement opportunities with approximately 75%–80% placement rates, including top recruiters like Amazon, Google, Dell, and Accenture. Reviews praise BMSIT for its personalized teacher-student interactions, moderate campus size, and relevant curriculum. Both institutions attract leading companies and provide significant project and internship exposure. However, BMSIT’s proximity to Bengaluru’s technology ecosystem offers distinct advantages for internships, industry networking, and extra-curricular engagement.

Recommendation:
Opt for BMSIT Yelahanka for ECE, owing to stronger metropolitan connectivity, greater exposure to IT and electronics industries, solid placements, and dynamic campus culture, maximizing both professional and personal growth. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10343 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 17, 2025Hindi
Career
I completed by graduation in 2024 in mathematics and now due to parents pressure i am pursuing masters in mathematics which i dont want to do so. One of my friends cracked sbi clerk in first attempt and i feel depressed now and dont know which govt exam should i pursue. I need help and guidance which lacked in my life
Ans: Completing your graduation in mathematics opens a broad spectrum of career possibilities through government examinations in India. Postgraduate study, though pressured, can be a strategic bridge for advanced roles or research posts; however, many competitive government exams welcome mathematics graduates directly. SSC CGL offers roles like Statistical Investigator, Income Tax Inspector, and Assistant Audit Officer, with quantitative aptitude as a main criterion. RBI Grade B, SBI PO/Clerk, and IBPS PO exams, favored by mathematics graduates, emphasize analytical skills; with the right preparation, success rates are substantial. You are also eligible for UPSC Civil Services, Indian Statistical Service (ISS), Railway Recruitment Boards, and state PSCs. Several PSUs (ONGC, BEL, BHEL) recruit graduate mathematicians for technical posts via GATE or separate entrance exams. Mathematical foundations provide a clear edge for bank exams and statistical services, and data analyst, actuarial, and research opportunities span both government and private sectors. Effective preparation involves understanding exam syllabi, regularly using quality study materials and mock tests, and focusing on quantitative, reasoning, and English sections. Alumni reviews and government career portals highlight that timely guidance, a persistent study plan, and resilience are critical for breaking into these roles. Numerous platforms such as National Career Service (ncs.gov.in), Testbook, and official exam portals offer free resources, mentor guidance, and updates on vacancies. Addressing your lack of guidance, seek professional mentoring, join peer study networks, and leverage reputable online resources to clarify your goals.

Recommendation:
Consider SSC CGL, RBI Grade B, SBI PO/IBPS PO, and state PSCs for strong prospects leveraging your mathematics background, and explore mentorship or coaching to build confidence and receive structured guidance. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10343 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 17, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I'm about to start my first year ECE what skills and certifications do i need?
Ans: Entering your first year in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), you need a blend of technical skills, professional certifications, and domain exposure to gain a competitive edge in campus and off-campus placements. Start with core technical skills such as C/C++ programming, MATLAB, Python, digital logic design, basic circuits, and embedded systems. Accredited platforms like NPTEL (by IITs/IISc; certifications cost ?1,000–?2,000 per exam) offer rigorous, employer-accepted courses on VLSI, DSP, IoT, and Embedded Systems. Coursera and edX collaborate with top universities to deliver specialized ECE certificates—options like “Internet of Things” (University of California, $49), “Fundamentals of Network Communication” (University of Colorado, $49), and “Embedded Systems” (University of Texas, $49) have global recognition. IEEE offers professional certifications in topics like Network Security, IoT, and AI; for example, the Certified Electronics Technician (CET) from ETA International (?5,500) and CCNA by Cisco (?25,000) are highly regarded in the electronics industry. Platforms such as Udemy provide practical, placement-oriented courses—“Complete Electronics Engineering” (?800–?1,600) and “IoT and Embedded Systems” (?1,600–?3,000)—with completion certificates. The Indian Institute of Embedded Systems (IIES) delivers placement-driven programs with live projects for ?35,000–?40,000. NPTEL’s “Domain Certification” system allows students to specialize and get badges recognized by recruiters. Five key aspects to prioritize when choosing a certification provider are: official industry or university accreditations, comprehensive curriculum depth, mentorship/coaching quality, project/internship opportunities within the program, and global employer acceptance of certificates. Effective preparation across all four years should combine annual technical certifications (embedded systems, VLSI, IoT, Python), professional networking via IEEE webinars/workshops, and soft skills (communication, teamwork, interview preparation) through platforms like LinkedIn Learning. Completing sector-recognized certifications and building project portfolios through internships or guided courses is essential to maximize placement odds in both core electronics and IT roles.

Recommendation:
Pursue accredited certifications every year from NPTEL, Coursera, EdX, IEEE, and Cisco, and complement them with project-based learning and internships to ensure technical mastery and employability. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10343 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 17, 2025

Career
Sir my son has got seat in UPES CSE. He is intereted in cyber security. Fees is 22 lacs + Hostel 8 lacs and other expenses. But he had not filled any other private college and was confident of jee but got 86 percentile only. SUGGEST BETWEEN UPES AND DROP. FEES WE CAN MANAGE DEPENDING ON EDUCATION QUALITY AND PLACEMENT.
Ans: UPES Dehradun’s BTech CSE with specialization in Cyber Security is well-recognized for modern labs, Wi-Fi-enabled campus, and industry-focused curriculum in partnership with IBM. Faculty are qualified, supportive, and emphasize practical skills required by the cyber security domain. The campus provides vibrant hostel life, organized events, and good student support. The program boasts an 85–90% placement rate, with top companies like Accenture, CISCO, Deloitte, Amazon, and IBM recruiting, though some students shift to IT services or unconventional roles. Student reviews describe strong infrastructure and networking opportunities but emphasize that excellent placements go to the most proactive, skilled students. Fees are high relative to typical private colleges, but industry exposure and track record support confident prospects for motivated learners. Dropping for a year has unpredictable outcomes, with roughly 35–40% of droppers seeing dramatic improvement in admissions; many others see little gain and face additional academic pressure or uncertainty.

Recommendation:
Choose UPES for CSE (Cyber Security) if your son is committed and the family can manage fees, as it offers solid placements, infrastructure, and faculty in this field. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10343 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 17, 2025

Career
Sir,. Studying msc biotechnology from dtu, delhi is worth for the placement to good companies??
Ans: Rachna, MSc Biotechnology at DTU Delhi is highly regarded for its infrastructure, faculty, and moderate placement support. The campus boasts modern research labs, Wi-Fi-enabled classrooms, and a well-stocked library, offering robust exposure to emerging tech and real-world scientific research. Faculty members are distinguished researchers with a strong academic background, providing personalized mentoring for thesis work and internships. Student reviews consistently praise the supportive teaching environment and industry-relevant curriculum. Placement rates for MSc Biotechnology have been 60–75% in the past three years, with top recruiters including Biocon, Serum Institute of India, Johnson & Johnson, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. However, core biotech placement opportunities are highest for students willing to supplement campus recruitment with external internships and projects. The program’s interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on practical skills enable graduates to progress into R&D, pharma, healthcare, and data analysis roles, as well as further education or entrepreneurship, supporting broad career prospects in India and abroad.

Recommendation:
Pursuing MSc Biotechnology at DTU Delhi is worthwhile, especially for motivated students keen on research, industry projects, and leveraging both campus and external placement prospects. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10343 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 17, 2025

Career
Sir I got a seat for computer science engineering in Government college of engineering Yavatmal through CAP rounds. How is the college. Your insights and suggestion please.
Ans: Sangita, Government College of Engineering Yavatmal, established in 2018 and affiliated to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, offers a 40-acre green campus with basic laboratories, a central library, Wi-Fi, and modest sports facilities. Faculty strength in CSE includes young, mostly permanent staff with mixed reviews on teaching quality and practical focus. The updated curriculum emphasizes theory and campus-based exams, but hands-on industrial training is limited. Placement support is nascent; around 20–35 percent of CSE students secured roles with recruiters such as TCS, Tech Mahindra, and HCL over the last three years, reflecting early-stage placement development. Academic rigor is complemented by affordable fees, benefiting students from rural backgrounds. However, industry linkages, research opportunities, and alumni networks are still evolving, leading to average internship prospects. Student reviews cite a supportive environment but recommend self-initiative to supplement learning.

Recommendation:
Pursue CSE at Yavatmal for cost-effective, foundational engineering education, while proactively seeking internships and mentoring to bridge gaps in industry exposure and research opportunities. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10343 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 17, 2025Hindi
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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x