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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7606 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 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
Rajeev Question by Rajeev on Oct 13, 2023Hindi
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Hello, I am 41 years old and have just started to invest in MF. Aim is to have good retirement life and funds for daughter’s education in the next 9-10 years. I am not good to invest 8-12k a month and currently started investing in below funds: Nippon small/Large cap, Kotak, Canara, Axis, ICICI & SBI Bluechip

Ans: It's commendable that you've taken the initiative to invest for both your retirement and your daughter's education. Diversifying across various mutual funds is a strategic move akin to planting different seeds in a garden. Each seed has its unique growth trajectory and potential.

However, while variety is good, it's also essential to ensure that these funds align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Sometimes, having too many funds can complicate tracking and managing your investments. Consider reviewing your portfolio periodically to ensure it remains in line with your objectives.

As you journey towards your retirement and your daughter's educational goals, remember that patience and consistency are your allies. The world of mutual funds can be unpredictable, much like the seasons. There will be periods of growth and times of stagnation. Stay invested, stay informed, and consider seeking advice from a financial advisor to nurture your financial garden effectively.
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  |7606 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 31, 2024Hindi
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Dear team, Hi I’m 46 years would like to start my investment in MF for 5 to 10 years . Till now I have not invested in any share market or MF. I have selected the following funds: 1. ICICI Pru blue chip fund -Rs 10000. 2. Nippon India Small cap fund- Rs 10000. 3. Nippon India Multi cap fund -Rs 7500. 4. Motilal oswal Mid cap fund- Rs 10000. 5. Quant small cap fund- Rs 5000. 6. HDFC Focused 30 fund- Rs. 7500 Also I am NRI I working in Gulf there the above mentioned plan are regular plan thru ICICI direct as I am unable to update my KYC online. Please suggest me that the above mentioned funds are good to invest for 5 to 10 years
Ans: You’ve taken an excellent step by beginning your journey into mutual funds and stock markets. Diversifying and rebalancing your portfolio is indeed important, and your current enthusiasm for learning and improving your financial health is admirable. I’ll help you answer your questions and outline an optimal approach to maximise returns while managing risk.

Assessing Your Current Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your existing portfolio of nine direct mutual funds reflects your willingness to diversify. However, managing too many funds can lead to overlap and complexities in tracking performance. Here’s a more streamlined approach that ensures you achieve effective diversification without unnecessary fund overlap.

Limit to Essential Fund Categories: Aim to retain only 4-5 core categories. These include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds, along with a smaller allocation to contra or sectoral funds for tactical growth.

Avoid Index Funds in This Case: Index funds replicate the market and lack active management, which may limit gains, especially during volatile market phases. Actively managed funds allow skilled fund managers to optimise performance based on market trends.

Reconsider Direct Funds: Investing through regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps you benefit from professional guidance. While direct funds save on distributor fees, they require significant knowledge and time to monitor effectively. An MFD with CFP credentials will help you align your investments with both market trends and personal goals.

Investment Strategy for Your Lump-Sum Amount
With Rs 3.5 lakhs to invest as a lump sum, your next steps are crucial for maximising returns.

1. Choosing the Right Number of Funds
Limit Fund Selection: For the Rs 3.5 lakh investment, focus on a manageable selection of 4-5 funds. Over-diversification may dilute returns without proportionate risk reduction.

Strategic Allocation: Allocate funds in a way that balances growth with stability. For example, allocate portions to large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds, with a smaller allocation to a contra fund if you’re open to moderate risk.

Prioritise Active Funds over Passive Index Options: Actively managed funds allow professional adjustments in line with changing market conditions, aiming for higher returns over time.

2. Timing of Lump-Sum Investment
Market Timing vs. Systematic Approach: As markets can fluctuate unpredictably, consider a phased approach, such as a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP). This way, you can gradually move the lump sum from a low-risk fund to equity funds over a few months, reducing the risk of investing all at once during a downturn.

Assessing Current Market Levels: The market downtime you mentioned may appear tempting, but markets may take time to stabilise. By investing in phases, you mitigate risk while capitalising on potential market rebounds.

Suggested Mutual Fund Categories for Long-Term Growth
Since you’re aiming for a 5 to 10-year period, a well-structured portfolio with actively managed funds is crucial. I’ll avoid suggesting specific schemes and instead outline fund categories that align with your goals.

1. Large-Cap Funds for Stability
Why Large-Cap Funds? These funds invest in established companies, offering stability and consistent growth. Over time, they help anchor the portfolio, especially during market volatility.

Ideal Allocation: Allocate about 30-40% of your lump-sum investment to large-cap funds to ensure stability in your portfolio.

2. Mid-Cap Funds for Growth Potential
Mid-Cap Funds’ Role: Mid-cap funds balance stability with higher growth prospects. While they’re slightly more volatile than large-cap funds, they offer strong potential returns.

Ideal Allocation: Consider allocating 20-25% of your lump-sum investment to mid-cap funds to capture this growth.

3. Flexi-Cap Funds for Market Flexibility
Flexi-Cap Benefits: These funds provide flexibility by investing across large, mid, and small-cap stocks based on market conditions. This helps maximise growth potential while managing risk.

Ideal Allocation: Allocate around 25% of your lump-sum investment here. Flexi-cap funds give fund managers room to adapt the fund based on market trends.

4. Contra or Value Funds for Tactical Growth
Tactical Role of Contra Funds: Contra or value funds invest in undervalued stocks, aiming to capitalise when these stocks eventually rise. They add a contrarian growth element to the portfolio.

Ideal Allocation: Allocate a smaller portion, around 10-15%, to a contra fund to enhance returns while maintaining manageable risk.

Tax Implications to Keep in Mind
Understanding tax implications helps optimise net returns. Here’s a snapshot of the applicable taxes:

Equity Mutual Funds: Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh per annum are taxed at 12.5% for long-term capital gains (LTCG). Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Funds: Both LTCG and short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed as per your income tax slab. If you include debt funds for a part of your portfolio, consider this in your tax planning.

Additional Recommendations to Strengthen Your Financial Position
1. Build an Emergency Fund
Maintain a separate emergency fund covering at least six months’ expenses. This fund acts as a safety net, ensuring you don’t need to dip into your investments for unforeseen expenses.
2. Term Insurance for Financial Security
Ensure adequate term insurance coverage, providing financial stability to your dependents in your absence. This policy type offers high coverage at low costs, making it an ideal safety net.
3. Health Insurance for Your Family
Having comprehensive health insurance prevents your investment corpus from being impacted by medical expenses. Check for policies that cover critical illnesses for robust coverage.
4. Review Portfolio Regularly with a CFP
A Certified Financial Planner can help assess and adjust your portfolio as needed. Regular reviews allow you to stay aligned with your financial goals and market conditions.
5. Consider Goal-Based SIPs for Future Objectives
While your lump-sum investment supports wealth creation, consider setting up goal-based SIPs to address specific future goals, such as a child’s education or retirement.
Final Insights
Your commitment to long-term investment is commendable. With a structured approach and regular reviews, your portfolio can be geared for strong growth over the next 5-10 years. By focusing on actively managed funds, phased investments, and strategic fund selection, you’re well-positioned to achieve both security and growth.

For any further queries or detailed discussions, please feel free to reach out.

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

..Read more

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1151 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Jan 22, 2025

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What should I do after my bsc in medical
Ans: Hello Priyanka.
It is not clear whether either of you has completed your B.Sc. in Medical or not. But I am assuming that you are presently pursuing it. The scope of this branch is wide. Either you can pursue the job, or you can start your own business. However, I would like to suggest that if possible, you do a DMLT course to start an authentic lab. Working as a technician or technical assistant may not boost your career to a great extent, and the salary may also not increase proportionately. Hence, it is better to add a course with a B.Sc. that will help you start your business. With a small capital, you can even start a business selling surgical items, which could turn into a big business in just a few years. Best of luck for your upcoming future.
If satisfied, please like and follow me.
If dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
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Radheshyam

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7606 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 22, 2025

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Where should I invest Rs. 50000 in Index mutual fund or in ETF?
Ans: When deciding between Index Mutual Funds, ETFs, and actively managed diversified equity funds, actively managed funds often stand out. Let’s analyse why active diversified equity funds are a better option for your Rs. 50,000 investment.

Understanding Index Funds and ETFs
Index Funds: These passively replicate an index like NIFTY 50 or SENSEX. They aim to match the market’s performance, not beat it.

ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds): Similar to index funds but trade like stocks on exchanges. They require a Demat account.

Disadvantages of Index Funds and ETFs
Limited Returns Potential
Index funds and ETFs only track the market.
They cannot outperform the benchmark, even when market conditions allow for superior performance.
No Protection in Market Downturns
Index funds replicate the index, so they fall equally during market downturns.
Active funds may reduce losses with better sector and stock allocation.
Lack of Professional Judgment
Index funds follow pre-set rules, ignoring company-specific fundamentals.
Actively managed funds use professional fund managers who adjust portfolios to maximise gains.
Hidden Costs in ETFs
ETFs may seem cost-effective but involve additional brokerage and Demat account charges.
Liquidity issues can lead to price variations between the market price and NAV.
Benefits of Active Diversified Equity Funds
Potential for Superior Returns
Experienced fund managers aim to outperform the benchmark.
They carefully select high-potential stocks across sectors and market caps.
Flexibility in Stock Selection
Active funds are not restricted to index stocks.
They pick companies with strong fundamentals, growth prospects, and attractive valuations.
Downside Protection
Fund managers can reduce exposure to risky sectors during market downturns.
This minimises losses compared to passive funds.
Tax Efficiency with Strategic Planning
Gains can be optimised with periodic review and rebalancing.
Active funds often deliver better after-tax returns over the long term.
Why Rs. 50,000 Fits Well in Active Diversified Equity Funds
A one-time investment of Rs. 50,000 deserves active management for maximised growth.
Over 5–10 years, active funds are better positioned to beat inflation and create wealth.
Suggested Allocation for Active Diversified Equity Funds
Large-Cap Equity Funds (30%-40%): Stability and consistent returns.
Flexi-Cap Equity Funds (40%-50%): Flexibility to invest across market caps.
Mid-Cap Equity Funds (20%-30%): Higher growth potential with moderate risk.
Key Considerations
Stay invested for at least 7–10 years for compounding benefits.
Review performance annually and rebalance if needed.
Avoid chasing short-term trends or reacting to market noise.
Final Insights
Index funds and ETFs are suitable for certain scenarios, but they lack active management benefits. By investing Rs. 50,000 in actively managed diversified equity funds, you can maximise returns, minimise risks, and benefit from professional expertise.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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