Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11166 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 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
Jaspreet Question by Jaspreet on Apr 28, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Hello Sir, i am 45, working as govt employee. I am currently investing in following funds for the past 5 years- 1. Canara Rob Emerg equities fund-reg(g)-2000. 2. ICICI Pru blueschip fund(g)-2000 3. Nippon India focused equity fund (g)-2000 4. SBI Small cap fund-reg(g)-2000 5. Tata Hybrid equity fund reg(g)-2000. Sir, first advice,Do I have to change these funds or these are ok?. Please suggest me your inputs regarding these funds. I also want to add 4000 more per month. Please suggest me good funds.

Ans: Your consistent investment over the past 5 years reflects commendable financial discipline. Let's evaluate your current portfolio and suggest potential adjustments to align with your goals.

Review of Current Investments
1. Canara Rob Emerg Equities Fund:

Focus: Emerging equities.
Assessment: Offers exposure to high-growth potential companies. May be volatile but suitable for long-term growth.
2. ICICI Pru Bluechip Fund:

Focus: Bluechip companies.
Assessment: Provides stability and consistent returns. Suitable for investors seeking steady growth with lower risk.
3. Nippon India Focused Equity Fund:

Focus: Focused approach to equity investment.
Assessment: Concentrated portfolio aiming for higher returns. Requires higher risk tolerance.
4. SBI Small Cap Fund:

Focus: Small cap companies.
Assessment: High growth potential but comes with higher risk due to volatility.
5. Tata Hybrid Equity Fund:

Focus: Mix of equity and debt.
Assessment: Provides diversification and stability. Suitable for conservative investors.
Potential Adjustments
1. Reviewing Existing Funds:

Performance Check: Assess the performance of your current funds against benchmarks and peers.
Risk Assessment: Consider your risk tolerance and investment horizon when evaluating the suitability of each fund.
2. Adding New Funds:

Strategic Allocation: Consider adding funds that complement your existing portfolio and fill any gaps.
Diversification: Aim for a well-diversified portfolio across asset classes and investment styles.
Suggestions for Additional Investments
1. Large Cap Fund:

Stability: Add a large cap fund for stability and consistent returns.
Example: Look for funds with a proven track record in investing in bluechip companies.
2. Balanced Advantage Fund:

Dynamic Allocation: Consider a balanced advantage fund for dynamic asset allocation.
Benefits: These funds adjust their equity-debt mix based on market conditions, providing stability with growth potential.
3. Multi-Cap Fund:

Diversification: Invest in a multi-cap fund for exposure across market capitalizations.
Flexibility: These funds have the flexibility to invest across large, mid, and small cap stocks based on market opportunities.
Importance of Professional Guidance
Engage a Certified Financial Planner (CFP):

Personalized Advice: A CFP can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Optimization: Helps optimize your portfolio and ensure it aligns with your long-term objectives.
Regular Monitoring and Review
Periodic Portfolio Review:

Frequency: Review your investment portfolio periodically, at least annually.
Adjustments: Make adjustments as needed to ensure your investments stay aligned with your goals and market conditions.
Final Thoughts
Your current portfolio includes a mix of funds catering to different investment objectives. Consider reviewing the performance of your existing funds and adding new funds to further diversify and optimize your portfolio. Seeking professional guidance from a Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable insights and ensure your investments are on track to meet your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 15, 2023

Listen
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |628 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 02, 2025

Money
Hello gurus. Currently I am 36 years old. I have just started investing in mutual funds. (a) parag parekh flexi cap - 7500/- per month (B) GROWW nifty midcap 150 index fund -2500/- per month (C) mirae asset ELLS tax saver -5000/- (D) pGIM india mid cap opp. Fund -5000/- (E) quant infrastructure fund-3500/- (F) quant small cap fund -4000/- (G) qyant active fund -3500/- (H) quant absolute fund-5000/- Total i am investing 36000/- per month. I want to get 2 crore till 2035. Additionally i want to invest 1 lakh per annum So my questions is ARE THESE MUTUAL FUNDS ARE OK or I should change any fund. And where should I invest this additional 1 lkh rupee per annum. These all funds are direct growth funds.
Ans: Hi Rajesh,

Appreciate your dedication in investing in mutual funds for long term. The funds selected by you are very random and not recommended for your goal. Overall investments are also not in alignment, this portfolio is a very underperforming one.
Currently you are investing 36000 per month - keep your investments simple in largecap, midcap, smallcap and mutlicap fund. Keep additional 1 lakh as well in these funds.

Your current funds are direct, but direct funds are over-rated. A portfolio like yours can instead give you a loss than generating good returns. It is always better to go for a regular portfolio suggested by a professional. Proper funds with a designed dedicated plan will help you reach your goal of 2 crores in 10 years in an efficient way.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11166 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 15, 2025

Money
Hello and namaskar.. I am 36 years old. Need your guidance in the following funds- (a) parag parekh flexi cap - 7500/- per month (B) GROWW nifty midcap 150 index fund -2500/- per month (C) mirae asset ELLS tax saver -5000/- (D) pGIM india mid cap opp. Fund -5000/- (E) quant small cap fund-4000/- (F) ICICI prudential equity and debt fund - 3000 (G) HDFC FLEXI CAP FUND - 4000 (H) Uti nifty 50 index fund - 5000 Additionally I want to invest 1lakh annually. Tell me where to invest this additional amount. These funds are ok or I should exit from any fund. I want to get 2 crore till the end of 2035. Am I going on the right track.
Ans: You are doing many things right at a young age.
Your discipline and clarity deserve appreciation.
Starting early gives you a strong advantage.
Your intent to review shows maturity and responsibility.

» Age and Time Advantage
– You are 36 years old.
– You have around ten years till 2035.
– This is a solid wealth building phase.
– Time is your biggest ally now.
– Compounding works best during this stage.
– Consistency matters more than perfection.

» Goal Clarity and Expectation Review
– Your target is Rs.2 crore by 2035.
– The goal is ambitious but not unrealistic.
– It needs focus and proper portfolio structure.
– The journey must stay smooth and disciplined.
– Returns cannot be chased blindly.
– Risk control is equally important.

» Current Monthly Investment Behaviour
– Your monthly SIP total is meaningful.
– You are investing across market segments.
– Diversification intent is clearly visible.
– However, overlaps are also visible.
– Too many similar funds reduce efficiency.
– Portfolio simplicity improves outcomes.

» Flexi Cap Exposure Assessment
– You hold more than one flexi category fund.
– Flexi funds already offer wide diversification.
– Multiple flexi funds create duplication.
– Overlapping stocks reduce incremental benefit.
– Monitoring becomes harder over time.
– One well-managed option is usually sufficient.

» Mid Cap Exposure Review
– You hold two mid-oriented strategies.
– Mid caps offer strong growth potential.
– They also carry higher volatility risk.
– Too much mid exposure increases swings.
– Emotional discipline becomes difficult during corrections.
– Allocation must match your risk comfort.

» Small Cap Exposure Evaluation
– You have one small cap allocation.
– Small caps boost long-term return potential.
– They are highly volatile in short periods.
– Allocation size matters more than fund count.
– This portion needs patience and long holding.
– Avoid increasing this exposure aggressively.

» Equity and Debt Hybrid Holding
– You hold one equity and debt option.
– Hybrid funds reduce volatility naturally.
– They bring stability during market stress.
– This helps protect behaviour during corrections.
– Such balance is healthy in portfolios.
– However, allocation proportion needs review.

» ELSS Tax Saving Exposure
– You have one tax-saving equity holding.
– ELSS suits long-term disciplined investors.
– Lock-in supports behavioural discipline.
– However, ELSS is pure equity.
– It should align with overall equity allocation.
– Avoid adding multiple ELSS unnecessarily.

» Index Fund Exposure Assessment
– You hold two index-based options.
– Index funds simply follow the market.
– They cannot protect during market extremes.
– There is no downside risk management.
– They offer no flexibility in allocation.
– You remain fully exposed during corrections.

– Index funds mirror market emotions fully.
– They do not avoid overvalued stocks.
– They do not exit risky sectors early.
– They cannot adapt to economic cycles.
– Volatility impact is fully passed to you.

– Actively managed funds adjust allocations.
– Fund managers reduce risk during excess valuations.
– They increase cash or defensive exposure.
– They aim to protect capital during stress.
– Long-term consistency matters more than cost.

– Behavioural comfort is critical for wealth creation.
– Active strategies support investor discipline better.
– Index exposure should not dominate portfolios.
– Especially for goal-based investing.

» Over-Diversification Concern
– You currently hold eight equity-oriented funds.
– Many belong to similar categories.
– This causes unnecessary overlap.
– Portfolio tracking becomes confusing.
– Rebalancing becomes inefficient.
– Returns may average out lower.

» Need for Portfolio Rationalisation
– Reducing fund count improves clarity.
– Fewer funds improve focus.
– Monitoring becomes simpler.
– Behavioural discipline improves significantly.
– Rebalancing becomes effective.
– Goal alignment becomes clearer.

» Suggested Exit and Retain Strategy
– Retain limited flexi exposure.
– Retain one strong mid-cap exposure.
– Retain controlled small-cap exposure.
– Retain one hybrid allocation.
– Reduce index fund exposure gradually.
– Avoid abrupt exits during market volatility.

» Annual Rs.1 Lakh Investment Guidance
– Annual investments should support long-term goals.
– Lump sum investing needs timing discipline.
– Market valuations must be respected.
– Phased deployment reduces timing risk.
– Annual amount should strengthen core allocation.

– Prefer diversified active equity strategy.
– Focus on long-term wealth creation.
– Avoid thematic or narrow strategies.
– Stability matters more for lump sums.
– This amount should not chase trends.

» Asset Allocation Perspective
– Equity should remain the primary growth driver.
– Debt supports stability and risk control.
– Hybrid strategies offer automatic balancing.
– Allocation must match your emotional comfort.
– Avoid extreme aggressive positioning.

» Risk Management and Behaviour Control
– Market corrections are inevitable.
– Your portfolio must help you stay invested.
– Excess volatility causes panic exits.
– Panic destroys long-term wealth.
– Structure should protect behaviour.

» Taxation Awareness
– Equity gains attract capital gains tax.
– Long-term equity gains above Rs.1.25 lakh are taxable.
– Short-term equity gains attract higher tax.
– Tax should not drive investment decisions.
– Post-tax returns matter more.

» Goal Feasibility Assessment
– Rs.2 crore target needs sustained discipline.
– SIP continuity is critical.
– Annual increments will improve probability.
– Portfolio efficiency improves success chances.
– Behavioural consistency is the key driver.

» Monitoring and Review Discipline
– Annual reviews are sufficient.
– Avoid frequent changes.
– Review allocation, not returns.
– Rebalance when deviations arise.
– Avoid reacting to market noise.

» Emergency and Protection Check
– Ensure adequate emergency reserve exists.
– Six months expenses is ideal.
– Health insurance should be sufficient.
– Term insurance must cover liabilities.
– Investments work best with protection support.

» Lifestyle and Cash Flow Alignment
– Investments must not strain cash flow.
– Lifestyle balance is important.
– Avoid over-commitment to SIPs.
– Flexibility reduces stress.
– Sustainable plans succeed longer.

» Behavioural Insights
– Wealth creation is emotional journey.
– Simplicity supports discipline.
– Over-monitoring creates anxiety.
– Trust the process.
– Stay patient during dull phases.

» Finally
– You have started well.
– Your age gives strong advantage.
– Portfolio needs simplification.
– Index exposure should be reduced gradually.
– Active management suits your goal better.
– Annual investments must support core structure.
– Rs.2 crore target is achievable with discipline.
– Stay consistent and avoid frequent changes.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |628 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 24, 2025

Money
Hello and namaskar.. I am 36 years old. Need your guidance in the following funds- (a) parag parekh flexi cap - 7500/- per month (B) GROWW nifty midcap 150 index fund -2500/- per month (C) mirae asset ELLS tax saver -5000/- (D) pGIM india mid cap opp. Fund -5000/- (E) quant small cap fund-4000/- (F) ICICI prudential equity and debt fund - 3000 (G) HDFC FLEXI CAP FUND - 4000 (H) Uti nifty 50 index fund - 5000 Additionally I want to invest 1lakh annually. Tell me where to invest this additional amount. These funds are ok or I should exit from any fund and invest in any other fund. I want to get 2 crore till the end of 2035. Am I going on the right track.
Ans: Hi Rajesh,

Appreciate your dedication in investing in mutual funds for long term. The funds selected by you are very random and not recommended for your goal. Overall investments are also not in alignment, this portfolio is a very random one.
Currently you are investing 36000 per month - keep your investments simple in largecap, midcap, smallcap and mutlicap fund. Keep additional 1 lakh as well in these funds.

You should consider exiting funds like quant and shift to more stable ones.

Your current funds are direct, but direct funds are over-rated. A random portfolio like this can instead give less returns than a professionally designed one. It is always better to go for a regular portfolio suggested by a professional. Proper funds with a designed dedicated plan will help you reach your goal of 2 crores in 10 years in an efficient way.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |11395 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 09, 2026

Career
My sister has an option to go for EEE/ECE in VIT Vellore campus or AI/ML in VIT Amravati/Bhopal campus. Which option should she go for? Want to maximise on placement opportunities in these uncertain times. Other colleges in list: 1. CSE, AI in SRM University (Ramapuram) 2. CSE /AI in Alliance University 3. CSE/ AI in Mahindra Ecole School of Engineering. Would really appreciate some help.
Ans: Satvik, before I answer your question, I suggest you ask your sister which branch she is interested in or passionate about, and what types of problems she wants to solve in the future to make the best choice. However, she should also remain adaptable and open to changing her focus if her interests evolve during her undergraduate program by upgrading her skills and staying informed about job market trends. Answering your question, please note, for placement security, VIT Vellore ECE is the best choice, offering a strong balance of brand reputation, alumni network, recruiters, and access to tech placements, with VIT reporting top recruiters and a high CTC of ?1 crore across all campuses. VIT Vellore EEE is a good option only if she is committed to developing strong coding and electronics skills. The AI-ML branch at VIT AP or Bhopal is attractive, though the campus brand is not as established as Vellore; notably, VIT Bhopal reported a highest package of 51 LPA and over 1,100 placements for 2025. Mahindra University’s CSE/AI program is a promising emerging option, with an average salary of 9.1 LPA and a highest package of 40 LPA in 2024. SRM Ramapuram’s CSE/AI offers a reasonable backup, while Alliance’s CSE/AI should be considered last. Overall, the final recommendation is to prioritize VIT Vellore ECE over AI/ML at the newer campuses. All the Best for Your Sister's Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x