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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6970 Answers  |Ask -

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
Shanky Question by Shanky on May 02, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I am 32 years old and have started investing in following funds. Please review. I am investing with a horizon of 10 - 15 years and ready to take risk. The investment is not linked to any specific goal but to save and create wealth. 1. Parag Parik - 10k 2. Kotak Multicap - 10k 3. Canra Rebocco Small Cap - 5k 4. Canara rebocco blue chip - 5k 5. ICICI PRU value discovery - 10k 6. AXIS Growth Opportunities - 9k 7. HDFC Balance Advantage - 7k 8. Groww Index Fund - 7k 6. Axis ELSS - 2.5k

Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach towards investing at the age of 32, with a clear horizon of 10-15 years and a willingness to take on risk to achieve your wealth creation goals. Let's review your investment portfolio to ensure alignment with your objectives.

Assessment of Fund Selection:

Parag Parikh Long Term Equity Fund (PPLTEF): This fund follows a flexible investment strategy, investing in a mix of Indian and foreign equities. It's known for its consistent performance and focus on quality stocks.

Kotak Standard Multicap Fund: Multicap funds offer diversification across market capitalizations. Kotak is a reputable AMC, and this fund has a strong track record of delivering steady returns over the long term.

Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund: Small-cap funds have the potential for high growth but come with higher volatility. Canara Robeco has a decent reputation, but small-cap investments require careful monitoring due to their inherent risk.

Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund: Blue-chip funds invest in large-cap stocks known for their stability and reliability. This fund offers a conservative approach within your portfolio, balancing the risk associated with small-cap investments.

ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund: Value-oriented funds focus on undervalued stocks with growth potential. ICICI Pru is a trusted AMC, and this fund aims to deliver long-term capital appreciation.

Axis Growth Opportunities Fund: This fund targets growth-oriented companies across sectors. With a focus on mid and small-cap stocks, it adds diversification to your portfolio but may come with higher volatility.

HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund: Balanced advantage funds dynamically manage equity exposure based on market conditions. This can provide stability during market downturns while capturing growth opportunities during upswings.

Groww Index Fund: Index funds passively track market indices. While they offer low expense ratios and broad market exposure, they may underperform actively managed funds during certain market conditions.

Axis Long Term Equity Fund (ELSS): ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Axis is a reputable AMC, and this fund invests predominantly in equity, providing potential for capital appreciation along with tax savings.

Overall Portfolio Assessment:

Your portfolio reflects a diversified mix of equity funds across market capitalizations and investment styles. It's well-suited for long-term wealth creation, considering your risk appetite and investment horizon.

Recommendation:

Regularly review your portfolio's performance and rebalance if necessary to maintain your desired asset allocation. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner periodically to ensure your investments remain aligned with your financial goals.

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.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6970 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am 28 years old and currently investing in the following funds for the last 2 years.1. Uti Nifty 50 index (Rs.5000) 2. SBI Small Cap (Rs.4000) 3.Mirae Asset Large & Midcap(Rs2000) and 4.Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 fof(Rs.1000). I also intend to step up my SIPs in these funds in the upcoming years.My goal is wealth creation and I am looking for 15-20 years of investment. Kindly review the funds and suggest if I need to make any adjustments to them or add any new funds in my portfolio. Thank you.
Ans: Considering your investment horizon of 15-20 years and your goal of wealth creation, your current portfolio appears to be well-diversified across different market segments. Here's a review of your funds and some suggestions:
1. UTI Nifty 50 Index: Investing in a broad-market index fund like UTI Nifty 50 Index provides exposure to India's top 50 companies by market capitalization. It's a good choice for long-term wealth creation as it offers diversification across various sectors of the economy.
2. SBI Small Cap: Small-cap funds like SBI Small Cap have the potential for higher growth over the long term but come with higher volatility. Given your investment horizon, this fund can add an element of growth to your portfolio. However, be prepared for fluctuations in returns.
3. Mirae Asset Large & Midcap: This fund follows a blend of large-cap and mid-cap stocks, providing a balanced approach to growth and stability. It's suitable for investors seeking exposure to quality companies across market capitalizations.
4. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF: Investing in an international fund like Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF adds global diversification to your portfolio. The Nasdaq 100 index comprises leading US technology and internet companies, offering growth opportunities beyond the Indian market.
Active vs. Passive Management:
While you've included both actively managed mutual funds and index funds (ETFs) in your portfolio, it's important to understand the differences between the two. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through active stock selection and portfolio management, while index funds passively track a specific index's performance.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:
Actively managed funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to index funds, especially during market inefficiencies or when skilled fund managers can identify lucrative investment opportunities. Additionally, active management allows for flexibility in portfolio construction and adjustments based on market conditions.
Potential Disadvantages of Index Funds:
While index funds offer low expense ratios and broad market exposure, they may lack the potential for outperformance compared to actively managed funds. Additionally, they're subject to tracking error, which occurs when the fund's performance deviates from the index it's designed to replicate.
Given your age and investment horizon, you have the flexibility to take on more risk for potentially higher returns. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Consider Adding a Mid-Cap Fund: Since you already have exposure to large-cap and small-cap segments, adding a mid-cap fund can further diversify your portfolio and capture growth opportunities in this segment.
2. Review Portfolio Allocation: Ensure your portfolio is well-balanced across different market segments to manage risk effectively. You may consider increasing or decreasing allocations to certain funds based on your risk tolerance and return expectations.
3. Regularly Review and Rebalance: Periodically review your portfolio's performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure it remains aligned with your long-term goals. Rebalancing can help maintain the desired asset allocation and manage risk.
Overall, your portfolio seems well-structured for long-term wealth creation. However, it's essential to monitor market developments and stay updated on fund performance to make informed decisions.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6970 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2024

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Hi Sir, My name is Krishna & I am 38 years old and I have a savings of around 40Lakhs in bank in FD's and I started investing 20000 every month from Jan-2024 in these mutual funds [1. DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund Direct-Growth, 2. HDFC Index Fund Nifty 50 Plan - Direct Plan, 3. Nippon India Large Cap Fund - Direct Plan, 4. Edelweiss Large Cap Fund - Direct Plan, 5. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund - Direct Plan-Growth, 6. Kotak Emerging Equity Fund - Direct Plan, 7. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund - Direct Plan, 8. Axis Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan, 9. Kotak Multi Asset Allocator FoF - Dynamic - Direct Plan, 10. Edelweiss Aggressive Hybrid Fund - Direct Plan]. I checked through money control and value research before investing in these mutual funds. I would like to keep investing till 50 years (currently 38yrs) for longterm holdings may be 7+ years to 12+ years. Kindly check my portfolio and please let me know if my investments are good.
Ans: Assessment of Mutual Fund Portfolio for Long-Term Investment

Krishna, it's commendable that you've taken the initiative to invest in mutual funds for your long-term financial well-being. Let's evaluate your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your investment objectives and risk tolerance.

Portfolio Composition Analysis

Your portfolio comprises a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, hybrid, and index funds, reflecting diversification across different market segments. This diversification is essential for managing risk and capturing growth opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

Benefits of Diversification

Diversification is the cornerstone of sound investment strategy, helping spread risk across different asset classes and market segments. By investing in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, you're positioned to benefit from the growth potential of companies of varying sizes.

Active vs. Passive Management

While index funds provide low-cost exposure to broad market indices, actively managed funds offer the potential for outperformance through skilled fund management. Your portfolio includes both actively managed funds and index funds, striking a balance between cost efficiency and potential returns.

Potential Areas of Improvement

Reviewing Fund Selection Criteria: While your research through Moneycontrol and Value Research is commendable, consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to validate your investment choices and ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Regular Portfolio Review: Given your investment horizon of 12+ years, it's crucial to conduct periodic portfolio reviews to assess fund performance, monitor changes in fund objectives or management, and rebalance your portfolio if necessary.

Asset Allocation Strategy: Evaluate your asset allocation strategy to ensure it's optimized for long-term growth and risk management. Consider factors such as age, risk tolerance, and investment goals when determining the ideal mix of equity and debt funds in your portfolio.

Final Recommendations

Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to conduct a comprehensive review of your investment portfolio and provide personalized recommendations based on your financial goals and risk profile.

Stay Informed: Stay abreast of market developments, economic trends, and regulatory changes that may impact your investment portfolio. Continuous learning and informed decision-making are essential for long-term investment success.

Maintain Discipline: Maintain discipline in your investment approach by adhering to your long-term investment plan, avoiding impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations, and staying committed to your financial goals.

In conclusion, while your current mutual fund portfolio demonstrates a proactive approach to long-term wealth accumulation, there's always room for refinement and optimization. By seeking professional guidance and staying disciplined in your investment journey, you can enhance the effectiveness of your portfolio and work towards achieving your financial aspirations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1025 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 05, 2024Hindi
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Career
I'm 18 years old and currently preparing for neet as a dropper student. I'm from bihar but I live in haryana since my childhood. I have a boyfriend, he is doing btech and it has been 1.5 years since we are together we love each other he supports me in everything but the problem here is I lied him about my birthplace and told him that I belong to UP as UP is a bit better place than bihar. Idk i just feel ashamed to tell anyone that I'm from bihar so I just tell everyone that I'm from UP. Now I'm feeling very guilty in my own that I lied to him about such a basic and important thing and yesterday he Also mentioned that his mother never want a bihari girl, and he is a punjabi. I just don't know what should I do how will he react after knowing the truth and also I'm afraid that he will broke up with me.. I'm also having my neet exam in 6 months. I planned that i will tell him after my exam but I'm just feeling too guilty that I'm hiding this thing from him
Ans: Hello.
Keep mum for the next 6-7 months. Keep a safe distance from your boyfriend. Focus only on NEET preparation. Try to excel in NEET. Wait till the results are out. If you score well and get admitted to Govt Medical College, then open up in front of your boyfriend. He and his family members will accept you because you are becoming a doctor! But after taking the NEET examination, if you feel that you can't score as expected, then tell the truth to your boyfriend. If he loves you from the bottom of his heart, he will forgive you. But if not. then you assume that god has saved you from him!
Last but not least:- Dedicate your 24 hours only for NEET preparation. This time will never come in your life again. You can be a KING in just a few days with solid preparation and will get lifelong respect in society. The bright future is in your hands and not in the hands of your boyfriend.
Best of luck with your upcoming NEET Examination.

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Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |7 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

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my Son has done BTech in computer Science in 2023 from NIT Jalandhar and campus placed in Indian Fintech and earning 15CTC. He is gaining experience there for more than one year for now. What is advisable for future course go for Masters in USA or any other country or continue with job in India by switching companies. Due to job market crunch he is also preparing for upto Group B level Govt jobs as Plan B. What would be best advice for long term and settling after marriage.
Ans: Please have one directional goal. No dual policy. Let him go for MS from some good American University and after that he can get a good job in USA. No point in switching companies in India. A rolling stone gathers no moss. Forget about Govt. job in India. His talent won't be utilized and there will be routine transfers. So hit the bull's eye. Have a decent GRE and TOEFL score, have three good recommendation from his professors, one good SOP (statement of purpose) and after seeing the GRE score I will suggest the universities. Mostly in all the reputed universities of USA at least one student of mine is there sas a Professor and half of the year I stay in USA. No worries. I am there to counsel him. Only he must fix one aim. No ambiguity. Have unique aim, work hard with proper decision, rest the guidance will be given by me. Recommended more than hundred students to different reputed universities of US right from Princeton to Texas A&M, Clemson to Vermont. Never forget that I AM THERE BY THE SIDE OF YOUR SON LIKE AN INVISIBLE SHADOW TO PROTECT HIM AND GUIDE HIM.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6970 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 05, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I am 39 years old working professional with take home salary of Rs. 2.25 lacs/month. I have taken home loan in last month for Rs. 30 lacs with monthly EMI of Rs. 60k. My monthly House hold expenses are Rs. 50k. From 2022 I am investing Rs. 35k in MF via monthly SIP in ratio of 40:30:20:10 in Large:Mid:small:Debt. I have 2 Sons for 8 years and 3 years respectively. My Goal is to have sufficient corpus for their higher education and to achieve financial independence ASAP. Pl guide..
Ans: Your proactive approach towards securing financial independence and planning for your children’s education is commendable. At 39, you have a robust salary, structured expenses, and disciplined investments. Let's examine your financial standing, assess your goals, and outline strategies for optimal growth and security.

Current Financial Overview
Monthly Income: Rs 2.25 lakh

Home Loan EMI: Rs 60,000 (new loan of Rs 30 lakh)

Household Expenses: Rs 50,000

Monthly SIP in Mutual Funds: Rs 35,000 (split across large, mid, small-cap, and debt funds)

You have taken significant steps with a home purchase and ongoing SIPs. Let’s optimise these resources to achieve financial independence and build a corpus for your children’s education.

Goal-Based Financial Planning
1. Higher Education Corpus for Children
Education expenses rise significantly due to inflation, particularly for quality higher education.

With your sons aged 8 and 3, plan for their higher education in 10-15 years.

To achieve this, increase your SIPs in equity-focused funds. Equities provide inflation-beating returns over the long term.

Maintain a systematic approach, with SIPs focused on growth-oriented funds (large and mid-cap funds are ideal).

Regularly review this corpus every 2-3 years to ensure it aligns with educational costs.

2. Financial Independence
Early financial independence requires strategic savings and investment growth.

Aim to build a corpus that covers at least 25 times your annual expenses.

At present, Rs 50,000 monthly expenses indicate a future goal corpus of Rs 1.5-2 crore, adjusting for inflation.

Your current SIPs are a great start, but gradually increase SIPs to achieve a sizeable retirement fund.

Consider adding more equity exposure for growth and inflation protection, while adding debt as retirement nears.

Debt Management and EMI Strategy
Home loan EMI is Rs 60,000, a significant commitment for 20 years. This can limit cash flow for other investments.

Aim to prepay your loan when possible to reduce interest outflow and loan tenure.

You may consider setting aside a small portion of bonuses or salary hikes for periodic prepayments.

Reducing debt earlier will provide more cash flow to focus on investments.

Optimising Your SIP Strategy
Equity Allocation: Your SIP allocation is split 40:30:20:10 across large, mid, small, and debt categories.

Large-cap funds offer stability, while mid and small caps drive growth. The debt allocation provides balance but may be increased as you approach retirement.

Avoid Index Funds: Index funds, while popular, lack active management, which can be limiting. Actively managed funds adjust to market conditions, providing a higher potential for returns. Certified Financial Planners (CFP) can guide you on the best funds for your goals, particularly with growth in mind.

Consider Regular Funds Over Direct: Regular funds provide personalised guidance, performance reviews, and rebalancing through Certified Financial Planners, which direct funds lack. Regular investments managed by certified experts offer better long-term growth.

Building Contingency and Protection
1. Emergency Fund
Ensure an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses (about Rs 4-6 lakh), kept in easily accessible accounts like liquid funds.

This fund will protect your long-term investments in case of unexpected expenses.

2. Insurance Needs
Adequate life and health insurance are essential, especially with dependents and ongoing liabilities.

Life insurance should cover at least 10 times your annual income, which could be achieved with a simple term insurance policy.

Health insurance for the family is essential to avoid dipping into savings during medical emergencies. Ensure coverage is comprehensive to handle inflation in healthcare.

Tax Efficiency in Investments
New tax rules affect mutual fund capital gains. For equity funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%, while short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab. Plan to withdraw strategically to minimise tax impact.

Periodic portfolio reviews and structured withdrawals can help reduce your tax liability.

Nurturing Long-Term Wealth Growth
PPF and Debt Instruments: PPF and debt mutual funds provide stability but may fall short on inflation-adjusted growth. Maintain debt instruments as a smaller part of your portfolio until retirement nears.

Equities for Wealth Accumulation: Equities remain ideal for long-term goals like retirement and education due to their inflation-beating growth.

Review your mutual fund choices periodically to ensure they are high-performing and aligned with your growth goals.

Final Insights
Achieving financial independence and funding your children’s education are achievable with disciplined investments, a focus on growth, and debt management. Regular monitoring, along with a Certified Financial Planner’s advice, will ensure you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |7 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

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Career
I am a 29 year old completed her Masters in Psychology 5 years ago. Presently i am working, on a contractual basis ,as a Patient Counsellor for Oncology department in a local well reputed hospital and my work contract is coming to an end. I always aspire to make a mark in the field of Psychology and contribute in a better way for Indian space, bring awareness and popularity in India. My mind also goes to UGC NET or school counseling, plus I am yet to do any M. Phil or PhD yet however I am little unsure regarding my capacity. But I do want to go ahead in my career. I need your guidance regarding taking the next step for a better career. Please help me out.
Ans: I am really very happy to see the positive mind frame of yours. I do think teaching ( i.e. College Teaching) will be the best job for you. At a time you and teach and counsel. Please don't be unsure about your capacity, from your writing it is crystal clear that you do have the required capacity to do M.Phil and Ph.D. Only your age is a bit high, because if you do M.Phil and Ph.D then it will take at least six years time and by that time you will be 35. If you are ready you can apply to some Universities of Germany for doing Ph.D directly. There M.Phil is not required. In Germany for ladies education is free. Only you need to have knowledge of primary German language for a smooth sailing. In school there is little bit use of Psychology, because the subject of Psychology is not there.
Your next step will be having a permanent job. Unless the basic needs are assured you can't concentrate. In India very few persons get job satisfaction. So if you appear for the state PSC exam, you may crack it, but Psychology won't be there, you may be a Deputy Collector or Sales Tax Officer with periodic transfer and lot of respect cum status. But don't be morose. Even being in other job you can give free counselling of Psychology online free of cost just to pursue your hobby. My basic answer is that first grab a full time job and then pursue your passion. Right now don't go for M.Phil and Ph.D.Higher degrees and age are proportional to each other. In last five years you must have completed M.Phil and started Ph.D. But no point in lamenting over the spilt milk. So two option 1) Do Ph.D from Germany 2) Grab a Govt or Private job which is not contractual. Take proper decision. That is the most important thing in career building. Never go for split mind and never try for true option. Make your aim fix and target it and I am sure you will achieve it.
Now just procure a permanent job and pursue your hobby of Psychology.Best of Luck. Prof. Mukhopadhyay

...Read more

T S Khurana

T S Khurana   |173 Answers  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

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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