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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1368 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 24, 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 20, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, I am 33yr old. I have a salary of 50k/month. I m living in rented house 8k/month. And SIP of 5k/month. Other expenses of 5-8k/month. Please suggest financial planning. And wanted to buy house.

Ans: It's great that you're thinking about financial planning at 33. Let's craft a strategy tailored to your needs and goals.

Emergency Fund:
Goal: Build an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of living expenses.
Action: Allocate a portion of your savings monthly until you reach this target. Aim to have this fund in a liquid and easily accessible account.
SIPs & Investments:
Current SIP: 5k/month
Action: Consider increasing your SIP amount as your income grows. Diversify investments across equity, debt, and other asset classes to manage risk and achieve growth.
Home Purchase:
Goal: Buy a house.
Action: Start saving for a down payment. Consider your current expenses and see where you can cut back or increase savings. Also, explore home loan options to understand the amount you'd need to borrow and the EMI you'd be comfortable with.
Retirement Planning:
Goal: Secure your retirement.
Action: Start an SIP specifically for retirement. The earlier you start, the better. Consider allocating a portion of your monthly savings to this SIP.
Insurance:
Goal: Protect yourself and your loved ones.
Action: Ensure you have health insurance, life insurance, and if possible, disability insurance. Review and update coverage as your circumstances change.
Additional Income:
Goal: Increase income streams.
Action: Explore opportunities for side hustles, freelancing, or upskilling to boost your income.
Budgeting:
Goal: Manage expenses effectively.
Action: Create a monthly budget to track income and expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can save more.
Remember, financial planning is not a one-time activity. It's an ongoing process that requires regular review and adjustments as your life circumstances change. It's also essential to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your plan aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation.
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

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 29, 2024Hindi
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I am a female aged 40. My present monthly gross pay is 4.09 lacs. I have a house property which has approx current market value is 1 cr and I have a pending home loan of 25 lacs. I have annual investments of NPS tier1 50k, ppf 1.5 lacs and monthly vpf of 1.25 lacs. My home loan emi is 24.716k. I am married my husband is also well placed and earn little more. We stay in my house and share our expenses equally. My share of expense is within 50k including emi. Both have old arents but they are more or less financially independent. I have an immediate goal to buy a second home at around 2.5 to 3 cr. I have liquid cash of around 50 lacs. I request opinion means to fulfill my goal and also to grow wealth in future
Ans: It sounds like you're in a solid financial position with a clear goal in mind. Given your stable income, existing investments, and liquid cash reserves, you're well-positioned to work towards purchasing a second home.

To fulfill your goal of acquiring a property valued between 2.5 to 3 crores, you may want to consider several strategies:

Continue Building Savings: Maintain your disciplined approach to savings and continue contributing to your investments, such as NPS, PPF, and VPF. This will help grow your wealth over time and provide additional funds for your property purchase.
Review Budget and Expenses: Since you and your husband share expenses equally, ensure that your budget allows for adequate savings towards your property goal. Look for opportunities to optimize expenses and redirect funds towards your savings goal.
Utilize Existing Assets: Your existing house property, with its current market value of 1 crore, can potentially serve as collateral or contribute towards the down payment for your second home. Explore options to leverage this asset effectively.
Investment Diversification: While your current investments are solid, consider diversifying your portfolio to spread risk and potentially enhance returns. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to explore investment avenues that align with your risk tolerance and long-term objectives.
Mortgage Options: Evaluate different mortgage options available to finance the purchase of your second home. Compare interest rates, loan terms, and eligibility criteria to choose the most suitable option for your financial situation.
Professional Guidance: Given the complexity of your financial situation and the significant investment involved, seek guidance from a financial advisor or planner. They can provide personalized advice and help develop a tailored plan to achieve your property ownership and wealth growth objectives.
By combining prudent financial management with strategic planning, you can navigate towards fulfilling your goal of purchasing a second home while continuing to build wealth for your future.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1368 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 2024

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Hi sir, I want to buy a house but my bad I had no knowledge of saving money and till date not done any!!! I am 34 yrs and working in manufacturing industry, have two daughters aged 4 and 15 months old!! Can u please help me ???? and give the best ways to save money and have house.... My CTC is 9.63LPA.
Ans: It's great that you're looking to start saving for a house despite not having done so in the past. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Create a Budget: Begin by tracking your monthly expenses and income. This will give you a clear picture of where your money is going and where you can cut back to save more.

Set Savings Goals: Determine how much you need for a down payment on your house. Factor in other expenses like closing costs, moving expenses, and any repairs or renovations you may need to make.

Emergency Fund: Before you start saving for your house, ensure you have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs. Aim for 3-6 months' worth of living expenses.

Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your salary account to a separate savings account dedicated to your house fund. This will help you save consistently without having to think about it.

Cut Expenses: Look for areas where you can cut back on expenses to free up more money for savings. This could include dining out less, cancelling unused subscriptions, or finding cheaper alternatives for everyday expenses.

Increase Income: Consider ways to increase your income, such as taking on a side hustle or exploring opportunities for career advancement or higher-paying jobs.

Explore Government Schemes: Look into government schemes or subsidies available for first-time homebuyers in your area. These programs may offer financial assistance or lower interest rates on home loans.

Consult a Financial Advisor: Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can help you create a personalized savings plan tailored to your financial situation and goals.

Remember, saving for a house is a long-term goal that requires patience and discipline. Stay focused on your objectives, and celebrate small victories along the way. With determination and smart financial planning, you can achieve your dream of homeownership for your family.

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Study Abroad Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 26, 2024Hindi
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Hi, my daughter is doing +2 (medical) in India. She want to become doctor. What are the options for her to become doctor in US? What she needs to study in US after her +2 (medical) in india?
Ans: Hello. Thank you for connecting with us. It is amazing to hear that she wants to pursue a medical program in the USA. However, let me tell you that before applying to any medical school, international students should make sure they have completed a four-year bachelor's degree with all of the prerequisite classes needed for the particular medical school being applied to. The prerequisites vary as per the school, but almost all schools require the students to have studied the following science courses: biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Some schools may also require that you have taken other humanities, English, mathematics, and science classes as well, so make sure you look into medical schools while you are still an undergraduate so you can choose your classes appropriately. You will also need to have completed the MCAT test, which stands for Medical College Admissions Test. The test will determine your ability to think critically, problem-solve, and write clearly, as well as measure your knowledge of various scientific concepts. A good score on the MCAT is key to getting into a good medical school. International students must complete a pre- med program, which may take 1-2 years to complete at a US university, to start a degree in medicine in the country. The student will then be required to complete a 4.5-year degree after the pre- med to be awarded an MD degree under AUAMED.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1368 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

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Sir, I am 72 years old and want to invest Rs 15 lac in M.F, in swp.already invested 22 lac in MF .I am high risk taker . I want swp amount after one year. Please suggest M.F schemes . Thanks
Ans: Given your risk appetite and requirement for SWP after one year, it's crucial to focus on mutual fund schemes that offer potential for high returns while considering the relatively short investment horizon. Here are some suggestions:

Large & Midcap Funds: These funds invest in a mix of large-cap and mid-cap stocks, offering a balance between growth potential and stability. Look for schemes with a track record of consistent performance and experienced fund management.
Sectoral/Thematic Funds: If you have specific sectoral preferences and are willing to take higher risks, you can consider investing in sectoral or thematic funds. These funds focus on specific sectors or themes like technology, healthcare, or infrastructure, offering the potential for higher returns but also higher volatility.
Aggressive Hybrid Funds: Aggressive hybrid funds invest primarily in equities with a smaller allocation to debt instruments. They are suitable for investors seeking growth with relatively lower volatility compared to pure equity funds.
Flexi Cap Funds: These funds have the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations based on market conditions. They offer a dynamic approach to asset allocation and can adapt to changing market trends.
Mid & Small Cap Funds: If you have a higher risk tolerance and a longer investment horizon, mid and small-cap funds can potentially offer higher returns. However, they also come with higher volatility and risk, so careful selection and monitoring are essential.
When selecting mutual fund schemes, focus on factors such as fund performance track record, fund manager's experience and strategy, expense ratio, and risk-adjusted returns. Additionally, consider diversifying your investments across multiple schemes to spread risk.

It's advisable to consult with a certified financial planner or investment advisor who can assess your financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment goals to provide personalized recommendations aligned with your needs and preferences.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1368 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 29, 2024Hindi
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I have been laid off by my company and I have a PF balance of around 22 lacs. I read we are allowed to withdraw 75% if we are laid off and being unemployed at least for a month. I am thinking if it is a good idea to withdraw this 75% and invest in diverse options like mutual funds, FDs or corporate bonds which give better interest? I see mutual fund options in many apps these days with some good performing funds giving 33% returns on 3-year average. So should I consider investing at least 50% of my PF corpus in that option and balance in others? Please advice.
Ans: I'm sorry to hear about your job loss. With regards to your PF withdrawal, it's essential to carefully consider your options before making any decisions.

PF Withdrawal: Yes, you are eligible to withdraw up to 75% of your PF balance if you are unemployed for at least a month. However, withdrawing this amount means depleting your retirement savings, so it's crucial to evaluate the long-term implications.
Investment Options:
Mutual Funds: Mutual funds can offer potentially higher returns compared to traditional options like FDs. However, they also come with market risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Consider investing in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds across different asset classes and fund categories to mitigate risk.
FDs: FDs provide stable returns and capital protection but offer relatively lower returns compared to equity investments. They can be suitable for short to medium-term goals and for preserving capital.
Corporate Bonds: Corporate bonds can provide higher returns than FDs but carry credit risk associated with the issuer's ability to repay the debt. Investing in highly-rated corporate bonds or bond funds can offer a balance of risk and return.
Asset Allocation: Consider diversifying your investments across different asset classes to manage risk effectively. You may allocate a portion of your PF withdrawal to mutual funds for growth potential, while also keeping a portion in safer options like FDs or bonds for stability.
Financial Planning: Before making any investment decisions, I strongly recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a qualified financial advisor. They can assess your financial situation, understand your goals and risk tolerance, and provide personalized recommendations aligned with your needs and objectives.
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund to cover your living expenses for at least 6-12 months in case of unexpected financial setbacks.
Overall, prioritize prudence and long-term financial stability when deciding how to utilize your PF corpus. It's essential to strike a balance between risk and return based on your financial goals and circumstances.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1368 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

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Hello sir, All our corpos mostly 90% is in debt(in the form of FDR's, SSSC, LIC etc) and rest 10% in MF and ULIP. I am 32 years and my mother is 61 years. I am working professional in tier 2 city and mother is retired from government job. I am seeking a financial advice to balance out the investments in debt and want some exposure in equity by investing through MF's. We have a total of 3 cr in debt and approx 40 lacs in equity market. Please suggest us the suitable mix so that our corpus would also grow and expenses would also meet out. Our total expenses per month would be around 35 K. Please also suggest the names of mutual funds to start investing?? Regards, Bharat Manik
Ans: Hello Bharat,

It's commendable that you're seeking to balance your investments and diversify into equity through mutual funds. Here's a tailored recommendation for you and your mother:

Balancing Debt and Equity:

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of expenses kept in liquid instruments like savings accounts or short-term debt funds.
Debt Investments: Since you already have a substantial portion of your corpus in debt instruments, continue to maintain this allocation to ensure stability and regular income. Consider diversifying across different types of debt instruments for optimal risk management.
Equity Investments: Given your age and long-term investment horizon, it's prudent to gradually increase your exposure to equity through mutual funds. Start with allocating a portion of your investable surplus to equity funds.
Suitable Mutual Funds:

Diversified Equity Funds: Look for well-managed diversified equity funds with a proven track record of consistent performance. These funds offer exposure to a broad range of stocks across sectors and market capitalizations.
Balanced Advantage Funds: These funds dynamically manage the equity-debt allocation based on market conditions, making them suitable for investors seeking a balanced approach.
Large Cap Funds: Consider large-cap equity funds for stability and lower volatility. These funds invest in large, established companies with a track record of stable earnings.
Hybrid Funds: Opt for hybrid funds, which invest in both equity and debt instruments, offering a balanced approach to risk and return.
For personalized recommendations and to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance, I recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a qualified financial advisor. They can provide customized guidance based on your unique circumstances and help you navigate the complexities of financial planning.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1368 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 05, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir/Madam I have invested in various equity funds of different AMCs. Can I get any app or some kind of reliable advisor who can track my investments and suggest switching from non performing funds to performing funds. My goal is just wealth multiplication and I am aware of market fluctuations. During Covid, remained invested in all my equity mutual funds. Kindly guide.... Thanks and Regards
Ans: For personalized advice and guidance on your mutual fund investments, I recommend consulting a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who holds Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials. MFDs with CFP qualifications can provide comprehensive financial planning services tailored to your specific goals, risk tolerance, and investment preferences.

Here are some benefits of working with an MFD with CFP credentials:

Holistic Financial Planning: A CFP-certified MFD can help you create a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your long-term goals, including wealth multiplication through mutual fund investments.
Personalized Advice: They can offer personalized investment advice based on your individual financial situation, risk profile, and investment objectives.
Portfolio Review and Optimization: An MFD with CFP credentials can regularly review your mutual fund portfolio, identify underperforming funds, and recommend suitable switches to potentially better-performing funds.
Risk Management: They can assess your risk tolerance and recommend an investment strategy that balances risk and return to help you achieve your financial goals.
Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing: CFP-certified MFDs can provide ongoing monitoring of your investments and rebalance your portfolio as needed to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.
By working with an MFD who is also a Certified Financial Planner, you can benefit from personalized, professional advice and guidance to make informed decisions about your mutual fund investments and overall financial plan.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1368 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

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Hello Sir, I have the following Mutual Funds Investments, request you to let me know if these can be continued with or need to discontinue any of them, also please let me know new good performing funds to invest in. One time investment: (1) ICICI/ India Opportunities Fund - Growth - ?2,50,000, (2) ICICI/ Value Discovery Fund - Growth - ?2,50,000, (3) ICICI / Transporation & Logistics Fund - Growth - ?2,00,000. SIP Monthly: (4) Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - ?5,000, (5) Canara Robeco Emerging Equities - Regular Plan - ?5,000, (6) Aditya Birla SL Focused Equity Fund(G) - â‚15,000, (7) HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund(G) - ?5,000, (8) ICICI Pru Bluechip Fund(G) - ?5,000, (9) Axis Small Cap Fund - Regular Plan - ?5,000, (10) ICICI Prudential Technology Fund - Growth - ?5,000, (11) L&T Midcap Fund - HSBC Midcap Fund - ?5,000, (12) ICIPRU Multi-Asset Fund - Growth - ?5,000, (13) ICIPRU Value Discovery Fund - Growth - ?5,000. Thank You.
Ans: Based on your current Mutual Funds Investments, here are some recommendations:

Existing Investments:
ICICI India Opportunities Fund: Review the fund's performance and consider its alignment with your investment objectives. If it continues to meet your goals and performs well, you can consider keeping it.
ICICI Value Discovery Fund: Similar to the above, assess its performance and suitability. If it has delivered satisfactory results and fits your investment strategy, you may continue with it.
ICICI Transportation & Logistics Fund: Evaluate the fund's performance and prospects in the current market scenario. If you're confident in its future growth potential, you can maintain your investment.
New Fund Recommendations:
Consider diversifying your portfolio by adding funds from different categories such as large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap.
Look for funds with a consistent track record of performance, experienced fund managers, and a robust investment strategy aligned with your risk profile.
Conduct thorough research or seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner or Mutual Fund Distributor to identify suitable options based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Review and Adjustments:
Regularly review the performance of your existing investments and make adjustments as needed based on changes in market conditions, fund performance, and your financial goals.
Monitor the expense ratios, fund manager's track record, and the overall portfolio diversification to ensure optimal investment outcomes.
By carefully assessing your existing investments and making informed decisions about new fund allocations, you can build a well-balanced and diversified Mutual Funds portfolio that aligns with your long-term financial objectives.

...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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