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Nikunj

Nikunj Saraf  | Answer  |Ask -

Mutual Funds Expert - Answered on May 24, 2023

Nikunj Saraf has more than five years of experience in financial markets and offers advice about mutual funds. He is vice president at Choice Wealth, a financial institution that offers broking, insurance, loans and government advisory services. Saraf, who is a member of the Institute Of Chartered Accountants of India, has a strong base in financial markets and wealth management.... more
RENUKA Question by RENUKA on May 06, 2023Hindi
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Hello sir, I am a 40 years working women My Investment duration for next 20 years long term. My SIP Rs.9500/- Per Month continue from June 2016 Please see my below portfolio advise if any change required, SBI Equity Hybrid Fund – Direct – IDCW – 2000/- Aditya Birla Sunlife MNC Fund – Direct – IDCW – 1500/- Sundaram MID Cap Fund – Direct – growth – Rs. 1000/- UTI Next 50 Index Fund – Direct- Growth – Rs. 1000/- Frankling India Focuced Equity Fund – Regular – IDCW Rs. 1500/- SBI Gold Fund – Regular – Growth – Rs. 1000/- UTI Value Opportunities Fund – Regular – IDCW – Rs 1500/-

Ans: Hello Renuka. Considering all factors, Portfolio reports sounds good except Aditya Birla Sunlife AMC and Sundaram AMC. I would recommend to reconsider the same.
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  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

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Sir I am 37 years old,I just investment at sip ...My Mutual Fund portfolio 1.SBI bluechip fund 2.SBI Contra fund 3.HDFC Mid cap oppertunity 4.Nippon India Multi cap 5.TaTa small cap 6.Paragparikha flexi cup Long term 20 year Mera goal 1 coror My portfolio is wright or modify please advice sir
Ans: Your mutual fund portfolio appears to be diversified across different fund categories, which is a good start. Here are some considerations and potential modifications to optimize your portfolio for your long-term goal of reaching 1 crore in 20 years:

Review Fund Performance:
Monitor the performance of each fund in your portfolio regularly to ensure they are meeting your expectations and aligning with your investment goals.
Consider replacing underperforming funds with better alternatives if necessary.
Asset Allocation:
Assess the asset allocation of your portfolio to ensure it is aligned with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.
Depending on your risk appetite, you may consider adjusting the allocation between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to achieve an optimal balance of growth potential and risk mitigation.
Goal-based Investing:
Evaluate whether the selected funds are likely to generate the required returns to reach your goal of 1 crore in 20 years.
Consider using a goal-based investment approach and adjusting your investment strategy accordingly to ensure you stay on track to achieve your financial objectives.
Consider Adding Equity Diversification:
While your current portfolio includes funds across various market segments, you may consider adding further diversification by including funds from different fund houses or exploring thematic or sectoral funds.
Be cautious not to over-diversify, as this may dilute the potential returns of your portfolio.
Regular Review and Rebalancing:
Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to maintain alignment with your goals and risk tolerance.
Rebalancing your portfolio periodically can help ensure that your asset allocation remains consistent with your investment strategy.
Professional Advice:
Consider seeking guidance from a financial advisor or Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice based on your individual financial situation, goals, and risk profile.
A professional can help you fine-tune your investment strategy and make informed decisions to optimize your portfolio for long-term growth.
By carefully reviewing and potentially modifying your mutual fund portfolio based on the considerations mentioned above, you can work towards achieving your goal of accumulating 1 crore over the next 20 years. Stay disciplined in your approach and continue investing regularly to maximize the growth potential of your investments.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

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Hello Sir/Madam, I am 32 years old and just now started investing 20k per month for long term horizon with step up SIPs of 15% Below are my investment portfolio. Quant Mid Cap Fund 4000 rs. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund 4000rs Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund 3000rs Quant Small Cap Fund 4000rs Nippon India Multi Cap Fund 5000rs Please provide your valuable suggestion, feebav
Ans: Your investment journey reflects a thoughtful approach to building wealth for the long term. Here are some insights and suggestions on your investment portfolio:
Quant Mid Cap Fund:
• Mid-cap funds like Quant Mid Cap Fund have the potential for high growth but may experience higher volatility.
• Ensure you have a long-term investment horizon to ride out market fluctuations and benefit from the growth potential of mid-cap companies.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund:
• Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund follows a flexible investment strategy, allowing exposure to various market segments, including equities and fixed income.
• This fund's diversified approach can provide stability to your portfolio while capturing growth opportunities across different market conditions.
Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund:
• Investing in micro-cap companies through an index fund like Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund offers broad exposure to the micro-cap segment of the market.
• Micro-cap stocks have the potential for significant growth but may be more volatile and less liquid compared to larger-cap stocks.
Quant Small Cap Fund:
• Small-cap funds like Quant Small Cap Fund focus on smaller companies with high growth potential.
• Small-cap investments can be volatile, so ensure you have a sufficiently long investment horizon and risk tolerance to withstand market fluctuations.
Nippon India Multi Cap Fund:
• Multi-cap funds like Nippon India Multi Cap Fund offer diversification across large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
• This fund's flexible allocation allows the fund manager to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on opportunities across different market segments.
Suggestions:
1. Diversification: Your portfolio exhibits diversification across different market segments, which is beneficial for managing risk and capturing growth opportunities. Continue to monitor the performance of each fund regularly.
2. Review and Rebalance: Periodically review your portfolio's performance and rebalance if necessary to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
3. Stay Informed: Stay updated on market trends, economic developments, and fund performance to make informed investment decisions.
4. Emergency Fund and Insurance: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of living expenses and consider purchasing health insurance and term insurance coverage to protect yourself and your loved ones.
5. Consultation: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Overall, your investment portfolio shows a well-rounded approach to long-term wealth creation. By staying disciplined and adhering to your investment strategy, you're likely to achieve your financial objectives over time. Keep up the good work!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 05, 2024Hindi
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Dear Sir, I am 59 years old salaried person and doing monthly SIP since June 2021 in Parag Parikh Flexi cap (Rs.20000) Axis Mid cap (Rs. 5000) Axis ESG (Rs. 5000), Nippon Multi-cap (Rs. 5000), Canara Small Cap (Rs. 3000), SBI Small cap (Rs. 3000)- all direct plans. Investment is to continue till December 2030. Thereafter, I plan to remain invested for another 3 years. Wealth creation is the aim. Kindly review my portfolio.
Ans: Current Investment Strategy

You're investing Rs. 41,000 monthly in mutual funds.
Your portfolio has a mix of different fund types.
You plan to invest till 2030 and stay invested after.

Positive Aspects

Good job starting SIPs for wealth creation.
Your portfolio has a nice mix of fund types.
Long-term investment plan is smart for wealth building.

Areas for Improvement

Your portfolio might be too complex to manage.
Too many small-cap funds could increase risk.
Direct plans need more work from you.

Risk Assessment

At 59, you might want less risky investments.
Small-cap funds can be very risky.
Consider reducing small-cap exposure as you age.

Fund Selection

Your funds are from good companies.
But having six funds might be too many.
Think about cutting down to 3-4 funds.

Regular vs Direct Plans

Direct plans have lower costs, but need more work.
Regular plans give you expert help.
A Certified Financial Planner can guide you better.

Benefits of Regular Plans

Get expert advice on fund selection.
Regular portfolio reviews and rebalancing.
Help with paperwork and tax planning.

Disadvantages of Direct Plans

You must research and choose funds yourself.
No professional guidance for your portfolio.
Might miss out on better investment options.

Suggested Changes

Think about moving to regular plans.
Reduce number of funds to 3-4.
Lower your small-cap exposure.

Asset Allocation

Have a good mix of large, mid, and small-cap.
Add some debt funds for stability.
Review allocation yearly and adjust as needed.

Tax Planning

Check if you're using ELSS funds for tax saving.
If not, consider adding one to your portfolio.
This can help reduce your tax burden.

Monitoring and Rebalancing

Check your portfolio performance every 6 months.
Change funds if they don't do well for long.
Keep your asset mix in line with your goals.

Finally

Your investment plan is good, but needs some tweaks.
Consider expert help for better results.
Regular review and rebalancing can improve your returns.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2025

Money
Good Afternoon Sir I am Anand from Delhi. I am a 37 yrs old Central Govt Salaried Person. I am looking for long term investment and a goal of 9 crores in 17 years. I am contributing 17500 per month in provident fund and 70000 per month in MF through SIP and have planned for 10 percent annual step up.I have started investing from 2023 and have approx 7 lakhs in PF and 6 lakhs MF portfolio. Please review my portfolio and also suggest deletions you it as I feel I have too many funds.I am planning to stop my SIP in Kotak Multi Cap Fund and do it instead in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap and Motillal Midacp fund. Please suggest. My portfolio is as under 1. Edelweiss Aggressive Hybrid Fund- 10000 2. Motilal Midcap -10000 3. Parag Parikh Flexicap-10000 4. Nippon Small Cap-10000 5. SBI Contra-10000 6. Kotak Multi Cap-5000 7. Quant Small Cap-5000 8. ICICI Pru Gold ETF-5000 9. Motilal NASDAQ ETF-5000
Ans: You have started early and are very systematic. That’s the right approach. Your disciplined SIP, annual step-up, and long-term commitment are appreciable. You are focused on your Rs. 9 crore goal over 17 years, which is ambitious, yet absolutely achievable with fine-tuning.

Let’s now review your portfolio comprehensively.

? Portfolio Structure Review

– You are investing Rs. 70,000 monthly across 9 schemes.
– Equity mutual fund exposure is diversified across styles: flexi-cap, multi-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, contra, and hybrid.
– You also have exposure to gold and international (via ETF).
– Your 10% annual step-up plan is a smart way to beat inflation.
– EPF of Rs. 17,500/month gives you stability and conservative growth.

Your foundation is solid. However, some restructuring will bring better focus and improved results.

? SIP Portfolio: Duplication and Overlap

You are currently invested in:

– Edelweiss Aggressive Hybrid – Rs. 10,000
– Motilal Oswal Midcap – Rs. 10,000
– Parag Parikh Flexi Cap – Rs. 10,000
– Nippon India Small Cap – Rs. 10,000
– SBI Contra – Rs. 10,000
– Kotak Multi Cap – Rs. 5,000
– Quant Small Cap – Rs. 5,000
– ICICI Pru Gold ETF – Rs. 5,000
– Motilal NASDAQ ETF – Rs. 5,000

That’s 9 schemes in total. Too many for Rs. 70,000 SIP. This creates portfolio clutter. You lose track of performance and portfolio style exposure.

Fund overlap increases. Monitoring becomes hard. You also dilute fund manager alpha.

? Recommended Fund Count

– Ideal number: 4 to 5 equity funds.
– Keep one large/multi/flexi-cap fund as core holding.
– Add 1 mid-cap and 1 small-cap for growth.
– Consider only 1 thematic/contra/satellite fund.
– Avoid passive gold and NASDAQ ETF for now.

Let’s trim the portfolio and improve quality.

? Suggested Fund Retention and Deletion

Retain these:

– Parag Parikh Flexi Cap (Core allocation)
– Motilal Midcap (Good growth exposure)
– Nippon Small Cap (Strong consistent performer)
– SBI Contra OR Edelweiss Aggressive Hybrid (choose one only for satellite holding)

Delete these:

– Kotak Multi Cap: No need to add this if holding Parag Parikh Flexi already.
– Quant Small Cap: Duplication with Nippon Small Cap.
– ICICI Pru Gold ETF: Gold is a hedge, but you can take tactical exposure later. Not via ETF.
– Motilal NASDAQ ETF: Avoid US passive exposure now. Tech-heavy ETFs are very volatile. No alpha generation.

? Disadvantages of ETFs and Index Funds

– ETFs and Index Funds are passively managed.
– They mirror the market, don’t beat it.
– No fund manager expertise or active selection.
– In volatile markets, they offer no downside protection.
– For long-term goals, actively managed funds with good managers perform better.
– India is still not a mature market. Active funds deliver better returns here.
– Motilal NASDAQ ETF is too concentrated and risky for long-term wealth building.

Avoid all index and ETF-based exposure for now.

? View on Gold ETF Allocation

– Gold should be only 5-10% of portfolio, not more.
– Even then, hold through Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) not ETFs.
– Gold ETF has no fixed income, only price fluctuation.
– SGBs give 2.5% fixed interest + capital appreciation after 8 years.
– For wealth creation, gold should be tactical and limited.

For now, drop gold ETF. Re-visit gold after 2 years if needed.

? Recommendation on Kotak Multicap

– You plan to stop SIP in Kotak Multicap.
– That’s a correct decision.
– You already hold Parag Parikh Flexi Cap.
– Parag Parikh is sufficient for diversified core holding.
– Kotak Multi Cap adds redundancy without meaningful diversification.

Hence, discontinue Kotak Multi Cap SIP.

? Recommended SIP Structure Going Forward

Your SIP structure can be reshaped as below:

– Parag Parikh Flexi Cap – Rs. 25,000/month
– Motilal Midcap – Rs. 15,000/month
– Nippon Small Cap – Rs. 15,000/month
– SBI Contra (or Edelweiss Hybrid) – Rs. 10,000/month
– Keep Rs. 5,000/month in liquid fund for opportunity investment

This reduces fund count to 4 (plus one optional), improves clarity, and aligns with your Rs. 70K SIP.

? Benefits of Regular Funds Through Certified Financial Planner

If you are investing in direct plans, kindly reconsider.

– Direct plans lack advisory or ongoing monitoring.
– You may miss timely rebalancing or underperformance alerts.
– Scheme selection, review, goal tracking becomes difficult.
– Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner give better structure.
– You also benefit from periodic reviews, tax optimisation, and emotional investing control.
– The extra 0.5-0.8% cost is worth the overall value delivered.

For a Rs. 9 crore goal, structure and review are more important than just low cost.

? Provident Fund as Stability Anchor

– Your EPF contribution is Rs. 17,500/month.
– This adds long-term stability and retirement corpus.
– Continue EPF without any change.
– It offers safe, tax-free returns.
– Works as debt component of your overall portfolio.

Do not consider any voluntary contribution to PPF or VPF now. Focus on equity for growth.

? Taxation Awareness

– LTCG on equity MFs above Rs. 1.25 lakh is now taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG (under 1 year) is taxed at 20%.
– Plan redemptions carefully after 5-7 years to reduce tax impact.
– Debt/gold funds are taxed as per your income slab.
– Keep this in mind while exiting from ETFs.

Keep SIPs in equity for more than 5 years to optimise tax efficiency.

? 360-Degree Suggestions to Reach Rs. 9 Crore Goal

– Continue 10% SIP step-up every year. This is crucial.
– Stay fully invested during market corrections. That’s when wealth is created.
– Avoid frequent switching. Stick to reviewed schemes.
– Add lump sum during market dips from bonus or liquid fund.
– Get annual reviews from Certified Financial Planner.
– Have separate term insurance and health cover always.
– Don’t mix insurance and investment.
– Keep life cover of minimum 15-20 times annual income.
– Review portfolio yearly. Replace underperformers only after 3 years of underperformance.
– Avoid PMS, ULIPs, annuities, NFOs, and thematic funds unless guided.

Stay focused. Simplicity wins.

? Finally

You are doing really well. Starting at 37 with focused SIP and a 17-year horizon gives you high potential.

Your portfolio just needs decluttering. Fund count should reduce. Gold and NASDAQ exposure must go. Move towards a core-satellite structure.

Avoid passive products like ETFs and direct plans. Stick to actively managed funds through an experienced Certified Financial Planner.

You are well on track to reach your Rs. 9 crore goal with discipline, review, and consistency.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |676 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
Relationship
My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

Hope this helps

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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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