How to adjust my investment portfolio with 20 lakhs education goal?

Ans: it's great that you are investing consistently in mutual funds, especially considering long-term goals for your children's education. Your current portfolio includes a diverse mix of funds across categories. Let’s evaluate each fund and assess how well it aligns with your goals.

Here’s a comprehensive analysis to ensure a solid growth path for your investments:

Portfolio Assessment
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: This fund provides exposure to both Indian and international equities, adding global diversification. This can help reduce risks related to the Indian market alone. With a long-term horizon, this fund can support capital appreciation, especially with its mix of large, mid, and small-cap companies.

Mirae Asset Large and Mid Cap: This fund balances the stability of large-cap stocks with the growth potential of mid-caps. This fund’s allocation adds moderate risk to your portfolio while targeting steady returns.

Axis Multi Cap: Multi-cap funds invest in companies across all market caps, giving you diversification. However, multi-cap funds can vary in returns due to their exposure to small and mid-cap stocks. You may consider if this allocation suits your risk tolerance.

Bandhan Core Equity: This is a large-cap-oriented fund, focusing on stability and consistent growth. With a long-term approach, large-cap funds can add resilience to your portfolio, especially when markets are volatile.

HDFC Focused 30: This is a focused fund with a limited number of high-conviction stocks, adding growth potential. However, focused funds can be riskier due to their limited holdings. This fund is suitable if you are comfortable with higher risk for better returns.

Quant Midcap: Midcap funds can offer substantial growth over the long term, though they are also more volatile. This allocation aligns with your long-term horizon and growth objectives, given your higher tolerance for risk.

Each fund you’ve chosen has its unique strengths, but let’s ensure optimal alignment with your objectives for your children’s education.

Recommended Portfolio Adjustments
Avoiding Overlap: Having multiple funds across similar categories may result in overlapping stocks, reducing diversification benefits. With three funds in the large-cap and multi-cap categories, you might face potential overlap. Reallocating towards diversified funds could optimise growth while reducing duplication.

Adding Actively Managed Funds: Since actively managed funds offer professional expertise in stock selection and sector allocation, they generally outperform index funds. If you’re considering index funds for their lower costs, be aware that they lack active monitoring and may perform poorly during market downturns. An actively managed fund will enhance returns, with a certified financial planner guiding you through potential risks.

Consider Regular Funds Over Direct: Direct funds appear cost-effective but require intensive market tracking. Regular funds, through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), can help you maximise returns while managing risks. A professional can adjust your portfolio as per market trends, adding long-term value.

Increase SIP Allocation for Education Goal: You aim to build Rs 20 lakhs per child in 15 years. Increasing the SIP allocation towards funds with a good growth track record can help you meet this goal. Review your expected returns annually to ensure you’re on track.

Recommended Additions and Reallocations
Add a Balanced Advantage Fund: Balanced advantage funds adjust equity and debt exposure according to market conditions, offering stability during volatile periods. This will add flexibility and safety to your portfolio as your education goal approaches.

Introduce a Small-Cap Fund Carefully: If you can accept higher risk, adding a small-cap fund can bring long-term growth potential. Small-cap funds often outperform in bullish markets, supporting capital appreciation over long horizons.

Allocate More to Large-Cap and Mid-Cap Segments: Increasing exposure to large and mid-cap funds within your existing allocation could improve stability and growth potential. These funds are generally less volatile than small-cap funds, balancing your portfolio.

Tax Implications
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): As per new rules, LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh on equity funds will be taxed at 12.5%. Factor this tax into your planning to maximise net returns on your investments over the long term.

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): If any reallocation or adjustment occurs within three years, remember that STCG tax on equity funds is 20%. Regular monitoring with a Certified Financial Planner can help you make tax-efficient moves.

Ensuring Goal Achievement for Children’s Education
Calculate Regular SIP Adjustments: Since education costs are likely to rise, adjust your SIP contributions every few years. A Certified Financial Planner can help forecast the corpus needed based on inflation, keeping your goal on track.

Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) for Goal Alignment: Consider an STP five years before the goal deadline. Transferring funds from equity to safer debt funds gradually can protect your education corpus from market fluctuations.

Debt Allocation for Safety: Over time, allocate a portion to debt funds to protect your corpus. Debt funds help in risk reduction and ensure that funds are available when needed, especially in the last five years of your investment horizon.

Three-Yearly Review of the Portfolio
Review Market Trends: Since the economy undergoes shifts, reviewing your portfolio every three years with a Certified Financial Planner can help realign it. A balanced portfolio with the right mix of funds helps sustain returns even during downturns.

Track Performance: Funds’ performance can vary over time. Evaluate their returns regularly to see if they meet your expectations. Replace underperforming funds if required, as per guidance from your planner.

Final Insights
Aligning your portfolio with your children’s education goal is a thoughtful choice. Your current mix shows diversity, but minor adjustments can improve efficiency. By reallocating and ensuring active management, you’ll keep risks low and growth steady.

Focus on regular reviews, SIP adjustments, and tax-efficient strategies. This approach will help you reach your educational corpus goal effectively and prepare for unforeseen market changes.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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