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36-Year-Old with 7 Lakh MF Investments - Where to Invest 9 Lakh Lump Sum?

Ramalingam Kalirajan |8913 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 29, 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

Question by hemant on Aug 20, 2024Hindi

Hello Sir I am 36 Yr old, my current investments value is 7 lac on MF's doing monthly SIP of 10k Mirea Asset Bluechip, 10k PPFC, 3k Axis midcap & 2k PGIM Small cap now i want to invest 9 lac as lumsum for next 10–12 years. where to invest? plz suggest some funds or any investment strategy so i can earn more returns and beat inflation. Thanks

Ans: Assessing Your Current Investment Strategy
You are 36 years old and have been investing regularly in mutual funds. Your current investment value is Rs 7 lakh, and you are doing a monthly SIP of Rs 25,000. This is a strong commitment to growing your wealth. You are investing in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, which shows that you are already diversifying your portfolio.

Lumpsum Investment Consideration
Now, you wish to invest Rs 9 lakh as a lump sum with a horizon of 10-12 years. This is a significant amount, and with careful planning, you can achieve good returns while beating inflation. The key is to diversify your investment across various funds that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Importance of Diversification
Diversification is essential to reduce risk and improve potential returns. Your current SIPs are well-structured, covering large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments. However, for your lump sum investment, you should consider further diversification into different asset classes.

Avoiding Over-Exposure to Single Asset Class
Since you are already invested in equity mutual funds through SIPs, it’s crucial not to over-expose your portfolio to one asset class. A balanced approach can protect your portfolio from market volatility.

Active vs. Index Funds
You are currently investing in mutual funds through SIPs. It’s important to note that actively managed funds tend to outperform index funds over the long term. Index funds, while low-cost, simply mirror the market and may not provide the flexibility or potential returns that actively managed funds can offer.

Actively managed funds are handled by professional fund managers who aim to outperform the market by selecting stocks with higher growth potential. This approach can be beneficial, especially in a market like India, where active management has historically delivered better returns.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Investing through regular funds with the help of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers numerous advantages. While direct funds may seem attractive due to lower expense ratios, they lack the personalized guidance and active management that can be crucial for maximizing returns.

A CFP can help you navigate market complexities, re-balance your portfolio, and make informed decisions, ensuring that your investments align with your long-term goals. Regular funds also allow you to benefit from ongoing advice, which is particularly important for long-term investments like yours.

Suggested Investment Strategy
Given your goals and the 10-12 year investment horizon, here is a strategy to consider:

Equity Mutual Funds: Continue your SIPs in equity mutual funds, as they are likely to provide higher returns over the long term. Your existing investments in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds are well-balanced. Consider adding a multi-cap fund to your portfolio for broader exposure across different market segments.

Balanced Advantage Fund: A portion of your lump sum can be invested in a balanced advantage fund. These funds dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt, offering a balance of growth and stability. They can provide better returns than traditional debt funds while managing risk more effectively.

Debt Funds: To reduce the overall risk, consider allocating a portion of your lump sum to debt funds. Debt funds provide stable returns and are less volatile compared to equity funds. They are a good option for preserving capital while earning modest returns.

Gold Funds or Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): Investing in gold can act as a hedge against inflation. Gold funds or SGBs are safer and more convenient alternatives to physical gold. They can offer returns that keep pace with inflation and add an element of safety to your portfolio.

International Funds: Consider allocating a small portion of your lump sum to international mutual funds. These funds invest in companies outside India and can offer diversification benefits. Investing in international funds reduces your reliance on the Indian market and can protect against domestic market downturns.

Re-Balancing Your Portfolio
Regularly re-balancing your portfolio is crucial to maintaining the desired asset allocation. Over time, certain assets may outperform or underperform, leading to a deviation from your original investment strategy. Re-balancing ensures that your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals.

Monitoring and Reviewing
Investment is not a one-time activity; it requires continuous monitoring. Regular reviews with your CFP can help you stay on track. They can provide insights into market trends, help you adjust your investment strategy, and ensure that your portfolio continues to meet your long-term objectives.

Final Insights
At 36, you are in a strong position to build significant wealth over the next 10-12 years. Your disciplined approach to SIPs is commendable, and your desire to invest a lump sum shows that you are serious about achieving your financial goals.

Diversification across different asset classes and funds is key to maximizing returns while managing risk. Avoid the temptation to over-concentrate in one area, and consider the benefits of professional guidance through regular funds. With a balanced, well-diversified portfolio, you can confidently work towards beating inflation and securing your financial future.

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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