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Investing at 42: How to Get Started with Stocks, Mutual Funds, and SIPs?

Ramalingam Kalirajan |9255 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 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 sujata on Jul 25, 2024Hindi

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Hello Madam/ Sir, I am 42 yrs old and want to start investment in stock, mutual fund and SIP. Already having own house, secure education fund for my child. I am able to invest every month 30k till 10 yrs. Based on that can you please suggest best option with good returns on investment.

Ans: Let's explore your investment options to achieve good returns over the next decade. Considering your goals and financial situation, here are some suggestions:

Investment Goals
Regular Investment: Investing Rs 30,000 every month for 10 years.

Stock Market Investments: Diversifying into stocks and mutual funds for better returns.

Secure and Growth-Oriented Portfolio: Balancing risk with potential growth.

Stock Market Investments
1. Direct Equity Investments:

Invest in fundamentally strong companies.

Focus on sectors with high growth potential.

Regularly monitor and review your portfolio.

2. Actively Managed Mutual Funds:

These funds are managed by experienced fund managers.

They aim to outperform the market by selecting high-potential stocks.

Offer better returns compared to passive index funds.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
1. Consistent Investments:

SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly.

It averages out the cost of purchase.

Suitable for long-term wealth creation.

2. Benefits of Regular Funds via MFDs:

Professional Guidance: An MFD with CFP credential provides expert advice.

Market Insights: Helps in selecting the right funds.

Regular Monitoring: Ensures your investments align with your goals.

Asset Allocation
1. Diversification:

Spread investments across different asset classes.

Reduces risk and enhances returns.

2. Risk Management:

Mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Adjust the allocation based on market conditions.

Debt Investments
1. Fixed Deposits and Bonds:

Provide stable and low-risk returns.

Suitable for capital preservation.

2. Public Provident Fund (PPF):

Long-term savings scheme with tax benefits.

Offers attractive interest rates.

Gold Investments
1. Gold Schemes:

Hedge against inflation and market volatility.

Invest in gold bonds or mutual funds.

Insurance
1. Term Insurance:

Ensure adequate life cover for your family.

Pure protection plan without investment components.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Periodic Reviews: Regularly review your portfolio.

Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments based on performance.

Avoid Common Pitfalls
1. Direct Funds:

Lack professional guidance.

May not align with your financial goals.

2. Index Funds:

Passive in nature.

Do not aim to outperform the market.

3. Annuities:

Often have lower returns.

Lack flexibility compared to mutual funds.

Final Insights
Investing Rs 30,000 monthly in stocks, mutual funds, and SIP can yield significant returns over 10 years. Diversify your portfolio, seek professional guidance, and review investments regularly. Avoid direct funds, index funds, and annuities for better growth and security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

Asked on - Jun 27, 2025 | Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Dear Sir, Who can provide the best financial guidance to choose investment.

Ans: For the best financial guidance, it's recommended to consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with proper credentials. They provide:

Personalized advice based on your goals and risk profile

Help in selecting suitable mutual funds and asset allocation

Ongoing support to review and adjust your portfolio

You may contact me directly via the website below for one-on-one guidance:
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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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Question by Kamlesh - Oct 10, 2022Hindi

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I am 42 years old. I have 40 Lakh that I want to invest in Mutual Funds with good returns. I also plan to put additional 50000 every month in SIP. Kindly suggest.

Ans: Hi Kamlesh. On the basis of age factors and requirements, assuming a holding period of 3-5 years.

For 40 lakh, I recommend diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes. Hence, I would recommend investing 80% in equity funds and 20% in hybrid funds.

To benefit from future market volatility, I recommend investing via STP rather than lump sum. The following schemes would be suitable for SIP investments.