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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Mar 21, 2023Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am 43 yrs of age and following is the list of my MF holdings which are all 15 Months Plus......Can you pls advice me if I should continue to remain Invested in the same or should I change any of these....I am looking at an aggressive and high return Funds in the next 3 Years....Also one very important point is all my Investments are thru an Agent, do you suggest i shud withdraw them all and go for Direct Plans.....Pls advice - SIP Details - CANARA ROBECCO EMERGING EQUITIES FUND – 10000 PGIM INDIA MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND – 5000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL TECHNOLOGY FUND – 4000 SBI FOCUSED EQUITY FUND – 6000 QUANT ACTIVE FUND – 10000 MIRAE ASSET LARGE CAP FUND – 10000 INDIA INFOLINE - 5000 LUMPSUM Details - PGIM INDIA MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND – REGULAR GROWTH – 3 LACS K1155 - KOTAK MULTICAP FUND – REGULAR PLAN GROWTH – 3 LACS AXIS MULTICAP FUND REGULAR PLAN GROWTH – 3 LACS IIFL FOCUSED EQUITY FUND – 4 LACS UTI FLEXI CAP FUND – 2.5 LACS MIRAE ASSET LARGE CAP FUND – 3 LACS LIC MF LARGE AND MID CAP FUND – 4 LACS CANARA ROBECCO BLUE CHIP EQUITY FUND – 3 LACS QUANT ACTIVE FUND – 2.5 LACS PARAG PARIKH FLEXI CAP FUND – 2.5 LACS

Ans: Given your desire for aggressive growth in the next 3 years, it's crucial to assess your current mutual fund holdings and make informed decisions. Here are some considerations:

Performance Review: Evaluate the performance of your existing funds over the past few years. Look at their consistency, returns, and how they have performed during different market cycles.
Risk Appetite: Consider your risk tolerance and whether your current funds align with your risk profile. Aggressive funds typically carry higher risk, so ensure you are comfortable with potential volatility.
Diversification: Check the diversification of your portfolio across different fund types (large cap, mid cap, small cap) and sectors. A well-diversified portfolio can help mitigate risk.
Expense Ratio: Assess the expense ratio of your funds, especially if they are regular plans. Direct plans generally have lower expense ratios, which can significantly impact returns over the long term.
Exit Loads and Tax Implications: Understand any exit loads or tax implications associated with redeeming your existing investments, especially if they are less than 3 years old.
Consideration of Direct Plans: Switching to direct plans can save on expenses in the long run, potentially boosting returns. However, ensure you are comfortable with managing your investments independently or seek the assistance of a fee-based advisor.
After considering these factors, you can decide whether to continue with your current holdings, reallocate investments, or explore new funds that align better with your goals and risk appetite. It's essential to periodically review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed to stay on track with your financial objectives.
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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Asked by Anonymous - Mar 23, 2023Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am 43 yrs of age and following is the list of my MF holdings which are all 15 Months Plus......Can you pls advice me if I should continue to remain Invested in the same or should I change any of these....I am looking at an aggressive and high return Funds in the next 3 Years....Also one very important point is all my Investments are thru an Agent, do you suggest i shud withdraw them all and go for Direct Plans.....Pls advice - SIP Details - CANARA ROBECCO EMERGING EQUITIES FUND – 10000 PGIM INDIA MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND – 5000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL TECHNOLOGY FUND – 4000 SBI FOCUSED EQUITY FUND – 6000 QUANT ACTIVE FUND – 10000 MIRAE ASSET LARGE CAP FUND – 10000 INDIA INFOLINE - 5000 LUMPSUM Details - PGIM INDIA MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND – REGULAR GROWTH – 3 LACS K1155 - KOTAK MULTICAP FUND – REGULAR PLAN GROWTH – 3 LACS AXIS MULTICAP FUND REGULAR PLAN GROWTH – 3 LACS IIFL FOCUSED EQUITY FUND – 4 LACS UTI FLEXI CAP FUND – 2.5 LACS MIRAE ASSET LARGE CAP FUND – 3 LACS LIC MF LARGE AND MID CAP FUND – 4 LACS CANARA ROBECCO BLUE CHIP EQUITY FUND – 3 LACS QUANT ACTIVE FUND – 2.5 LACS PARAG PARIKH FLEXI CAP FUND – 2.5 LACS
Ans: Let's analyze your portfolio and provide recommendations based on your aggressive investment stance and the desire for high returns over the next three years.

Portfolio Review:

You have a well-diversified portfolio with exposure to various equity categories, which is a good approach for long-term growth. Given your aggressive stance, let's assess your holdings:

Equity Funds:
You have exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, focused equity, technology, and flexi-cap funds. This diversification can potentially balance risk and return, but you might consider focusing more on aggressive funds for higher growth.
Direct vs. Regular Plans:
Investing through an agent (Regular Plans) involves a higher expense ratio due to commissions. While Direct Plans can reduce costs, your relationship with a trusted Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who provides personal emotional support can add value beyond just financial advice.
Recommendations:

Continue with Regular Plans through a Trusted MFD:
Given your aggressive stance and the emotional support you receive from your MFD, continuing with Regular Plans through your trusted MFD can align well with your investment goals. A supportive MFD can offer personalized advice, emotional reassurance, and keep you informed about market developments.
Focus on Aggressive Funds:
Emphasize funds with a proven track record of aggressive growth and high returns. Your MFD can help identify and recommend funds that align with your risk appetite and investment horizon.
Periodic Reviews with Emotional Support:
Schedule regular reviews with your MFD to evaluate your portfolio's performance and make necessary adjustments. A supportive MFD can offer emotional support during market fluctuations, helping you stay disciplined and confident in your investment decisions.
Build a Strong Relationship with Your MFD:
Embrace the relationship with your MFD who understands your financial goals, concerns, and provides emotional support. A strong relationship can enhance your investment experience, making it more reassuring and enjoyable.
Conclusion:

Given your aggressive stance and the importance of emotional support in your investment journey, continuing with Regular Plans through your trusted MFD seems suitable. Focus on aggressive funds, maintain regular reviews with your MFD, and nurture your relationship with them for personalized advice and emotional reassurance. Remember, investing is not just about numbers; it's about peace of mind, trust, and confidence in your investment decisions. Embrace this journey with your MFD by your side, and may your investments flourish over time.

..Read more

Hardik

Hardik Parikh  |106 Answers  |Ask -

Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Apr 07, 2023

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ello Sir, I am 43 yrs of age and following is the list of my MF holdings which are all 15 Months Plus......Can you pls advice me if I should continue to remain Invested in the same or should I change any of these....I am looking at an aggressive and high return Funds in the next 3 Years....Also one very important point is all my Investments are thru an Agent, do you suggest i shud withdraw them all and go for Direct Plans.....Pls advice - SIP Details - CANARA ROBECCO EMERGING EQUITIES FUND – 10000 PGIM INDIA MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND – 5000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL TECHNOLOGY FUND – 4000 SBI FOCUSED EQUITY FUND – 6000 QUANT ACTIVE FUND – 10000 MIRAE ASSET LARGE CAP FUND – 10000 INDIA INFOLINE - 5000 LUMPSUM Details - PGIM INDIA MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND – REGULAR GROWTH – 3 LACS K1155 - KOTAK MULTICAP FUND – REGULAR PLAN GROWTH – 3 LACS AXIS MULTICAP FUND REGULAR PLAN GROWTH – 3 LACS IIFL FOCUSED EQUITY FUND – 4 LACS UTI FLEXI CAP FUND – 2.5 LACS MIRAE ASSET LARGE CAP FUND – 3 LACS LIC MF LARGE AND MID CAP FUND – 4 LACS CANARA ROBECCO BLUE CHIP EQUITY FUND – 3 LACS QUANT ACTIVE FUND – 2.5 LACS PARAG PARIKH FLEXI CAP FUND – 2.5 LACS
Ans: Hello Yatin,

Firstly, I appreciate that you've been consistently investing in mutual funds for more than 15 months. Based on your age and the 3-year investment horizon you mentioned, it's reasonable to have an aggressive investment strategy. However, I would also like to remind you that higher returns often come with higher risks.

Regarding your current holdings, I see that you have a well-diversified portfolio across large-cap, mid-cap, focused, and sectoral funds. Given your investment goals, you may consider continuing with most of these funds. However, I recommend reviewing the performance of the funds against their benchmark indices and their respective categories. You might want to consider replacing any underperforming funds with better-performing alternatives in the same category.

On the point of investing through an agent, I suggest you evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of switching to direct plans. Direct plans generally have lower expense ratios, which could result in higher returns over time. However, if you value the guidance and support provided by your agent, you might want to stick with the regular plans.

If you decide to switch to direct plans, you can do so without redeeming or selling your existing investments. You can start by converting your future SIPs to direct plans and then gradually switch your existing holdings.

Please note that this advice is based on the limited information you provided and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. I recommend that you consult with a certified financial planner or advisor for a detailed analysis of your portfolio and investment goals.

Wishing you the best in your investment journey!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2025
Money
I am 38 years old and self-employed, earning an average of 1.8 to 2 lakhs per month. I have a home loan of 44 lakhs (EMI is 46,000, tenure 15 years). There is no other liabilities. My investments include 11 lakhs in mutual funds, 3 lakhs in fixed deposits, and 1.5 lakh in gold. Should I focus on prepaying the home loan given my irregular income, or keep my investments intact and continue with EMIs?
Ans: You are doing quite well, especially with your investments and controlled liabilities. Your financial discipline is truly appreciable.

You are 38, self-employed, with Rs.1.8 to 2 lakhs monthly income.
Your current home loan is Rs.44 lakhs with EMI of Rs.46,000 for 15 years.
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds, Rs.3 lakhs in FDs, and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.
Your income is irregular, but you have no other liabilities.

Let us now do a 360-degree evaluation of whether to prepay the loan or stay invested.

 

Step-by-Step Financial Assessment
1. Evaluate the Stability of Your Income First
You earn between Rs.1.8 to Rs.2 lakhs per month.

 

But income is irregular. That needs caution.

 

Loan EMI is Rs.46,000 — about 25% of your average income.

 

If income drops in any month, EMI pressure will increase.

 

So we must first ensure EMI is always affordable, without stress.

 

Hence, liquidity is more important for you right now than aggressive loan prepayment.

 

2. Evaluate Your Emergency Reserve
You have Rs.3 lakhs in FD and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.

 

That makes it Rs.4.5 lakhs total liquid safety.

 

Your EMI is Rs.46,000, and personal expenses will also be there.

 

Ideal emergency fund for you = 6 to 9 months of expenses + EMI.

 

That is around Rs.6 to Rs.8 lakhs minimum.

 

So current emergency fund is slightly lower than ideal.

 

Please don’t use this for loan prepayment now.

 

3. Assess the Role of Mutual Funds
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds. That’s a solid step.

Now let’s assess whether to redeem this and prepay loan.

 

Should You Redeem Mutual Funds to Prepay?
Mutual funds, over long term, give better post-tax return than loan savings.

 

Loan interest is 8% to 9%, whereas mutual funds can give 11–13% in long term.

 

Especially if funds are equity-oriented and held for 5+ years.

 

You will also get capital gains tax exemption on Rs.1.25 lakhs LTCG annually.

 

If you redeem funds, you lose growth potential and compounding.

 

That hurts long-term wealth building.

 

So, do not redeem the entire Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds.

 

4. Disadvantage of Early Loan Prepayment in Your Case
Prepaying early will reduce interest over time, yes.

 

But you may run into cash flow stress in slow months.

 

Once money is used to prepay, it cannot be taken back easily.

 

Liquidity once lost = flexibility lost.

 

Also, income tax benefit under Section 24(b) gets reduced if loan balance drops.

 

So it’s better to maintain balance between repayment and investment.

 

5. Best Strategy for You – A Balanced Approach
Let’s now craft the best plan for you.

 

Maintain Strong Liquidity First
Keep FD and gold untouched.

 

Increase emergency fund to at least Rs.6–Rs.7 lakhs.

 

For that, set aside extra Rs.2.5–Rs.3 lakhs from savings over time.

 

This makes your EMI safe even in low-income months.

 

Continue Your Mutual Fund SIPs Without Stopping
SIPs give long-term growth and beat loan interest in most cases.

 

Don’t stop mutual fund investments to prepay loan.

 

Stay invested. Let wealth compound.

 

Start Small and Periodic Prepayments
Don’t do bulk prepayment now. Do systematic small prepayments.

 

For example, Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 extra every 3–4 months.

 

When income is higher, use that surplus to prepay in parts.

 

Target 1–2 bulk part-payments per year.

 

This reduces tenure and interest slowly, without affecting liquidity.

 

Track Your Loan Amortisation Every 6 Months
Use netbanking or get a fresh loan statement every 6 months.

 

Check how each prepayment is reducing principal.

 

Adjust your strategy accordingly.

 

Avoid One-Time Full Prepayment
That would kill your long-term investment compounding.

 

Also removes your income tax benefit under Section 24(b).

 

Stay flexible. You are self-employed.

 

You need cash buffers more than salaried people.

 

Final Insights
Do not do bulk home loan prepayment from mutual funds now.

 

Keep SIPs going and maintain your compounding.

 

Grow your emergency fund to Rs.6–7 lakhs minimum.

 

Use surplus months to make small part-payments towards home loan.

 

This protects your peace and builds wealth at the same time.

 

Reassess in 2–3 years. You may be able to prepay more later.

 

You are already in a good financial position. Your thoughtful approach is praiseworthy.

 

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2025

Money
i wish to purchase new car i10, should i purchase the same through own money or should i take a vehicle loan from bank and the money own by my to be kept as FDR or liquid mutual fund
Ans: It’s a good sign that you’re thinking before buying a car. You’re not rushing into it. That shows maturity and smart thinking.

We will now evaluate own money vs vehicle loan — from every angle.

 

Understanding the Nature of a Car Purchase
A car is not an investment.

 

It is a consumption asset, not a growth asset.

 

It depreciates every year. Its value goes down, not up.

 

So the cheaper the total cost, the better for your wealth.

 

Option 1: Use Own Money Fully
Pros

No interest cost. You save on total expenses.

 

You are free from monthly EMI pressure.

 

Car becomes fully yours from day one.

 

No need to deal with bank, forms, hypothecation etc.

 

Cons

Your liquid money reduces.

 

You may not have enough cash for emergencies.

 

Opportunity loss if you had invested that money.

 

Option 2: Take Vehicle Loan & Keep Own Money in FDR or Liquid Mutual Fund
Let’s evaluate this with care.

Vehicle Loan Pros

You can preserve your savings for emergencies.

 

EMI can be budgeted monthly, if income is stable.

 

Some banks offer competitive interest rates.

 

Vehicle Loan Cons

You will pay interest on a depreciating item.

 

Loan adds to your monthly obligations.

 

You must pay insurance, EMI, fuel, and service together.

 

FDR and Liquid Mutual Funds give lower returns than loan cost.

 

So you will likely lose more in interest than you gain.

 

Let's Compare: Interest Rate vs Investment Return
Vehicle loan interest is usually 9% to 11% per year.

 

FDR gives around 6% to 7% before tax.

 

Liquid mutual funds give 6% to 7.5% on average.

 

So you pay more to the bank than you earn from investment.

 

Tax on interest or gains reduces actual return further.

 

This means taking a car loan and investing your own money leads to net loss.

 

Best Option for You: Smart Compromise Approach
Let me share a wise solution.

 

Don’t use full own money. Don’t take full loan either.

 

Instead, pay 70–80% from own funds.

 

Take a small car loan for the remaining 20–30% only.

 

This keeps EMI low and retains some liquidity.

 

You reduce interest cost and also keep Rs.50,000–Rs.1 lakh aside.

 

Park that in liquid fund for any urgent need.

 

Repay this small loan fast in 1–2 years.

 

Only Take a Car Loan If:
Your job income is stable.

 

You already have 3–6 months emergency fund ready.

 

You don’t have big loans running now.

 

You can pay EMI without affecting savings.

 

You commit to close the loan early.

 

Avoid This Mistake:
Never buy a more expensive car because loan makes it “feel affordable.”

 

Loan should not expand your car budget.

 

Whether you buy with loan or cash, pick a simple car within limits.

 

i10 is a wise, middle-ground choice. Good thought.

 

Tax Angle (If Business Use)
If you are using the car for business, vehicle loan interest may be tax-deductible.

 

But for personal use, there is no tax benefit.

 

So do not take loan just for imagined tax saving.

 

Final Insights
A car is a need, not an investment.

 

Using your own money fully keeps things simple and cheap.

 

Taking a full car loan and investing the money gives net negative return.

 

Best option is a split approach — pay major part from own funds.

 

Take small loan only if needed and close it early.

 

Always keep emergency money aside before buying.

 

Avoid emotional buying or overbudget cars.

 

Your financially balanced approach is very appreciable.

 

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

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1600 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on May 12, 2025

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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