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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8500 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 13, 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 - Jun 09, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello, I want to get advise upon financial planning, my target is to generate atleast 4+ crores by 2046. Currently I am 29 years old, have stated my SIP from year 2021 of Rs 1000 and have gradually increased to 5k since last year. My SIP goes in quant small cap fund direct plan growth the present value of my invested amount is Rs 225036 and have stock portfolio of Rs 90855 (including 4qty of SGB), over all my shares invested present value is Rs 134112. Additionally have an FD of Rs 50k, and have lately started investing in PPF Rs 1000, also have covered myself with health insurance policy of SI Rs 10 lakh. Suggest me how can I scale up my investments and schemes where I can reach to the set aim. Also, should I go for Post Office scheme KVP or keep continuing with PPF. I am earning 45k/month, and don't have any liabilities or loans.

Ans: Firstly, let me congratulate you on setting a clear financial target. Generating Rs 4+ crores by 2046 is an ambitious yet achievable goal with disciplined savings and smart investments. You're 29 years old, and you have about 22 years to achieve this target. You’ve made a good start by investing in SIPs, stocks, and PPF, and it’s excellent that you have health insurance coverage as well.

Current Financial Overview
Let's start by reviewing your current financial situation:

SIP Investment: Started in 2021 with Rs 1000, increased to Rs 5000 since last year, invested in a small cap fund direct plan growth. Present value: Rs 225036.
Stock Portfolio: Current value: Rs 134112.
Fixed Deposit: Rs 50,000.
Public Provident Fund (PPF): Recently started with Rs 1000.
Health Insurance: Sum Insured of Rs 10 lakhs.
Monthly Income: Rs 45,000.
No liabilities or loans.
Investment Strategy to Achieve Rs 4+ Crores
To achieve your goal of Rs 4+ crores by 2046, you need a well-structured investment plan. Let's break down the steps:

1. Increase Your SIP Contributions
Your SIP contributions are currently at Rs 5000 per month. Given your income and lack of liabilities, you can gradually increase this amount. Aim to increase your SIP contribution by 10-15% each year. This compounding effect over 22 years will significantly boost your corpus.

Why Increase SIP?

Power of Compounding: Higher contributions lead to higher returns over time.
Rupee Cost Averaging: Regular investments reduce the risk of market volatility.
2. Diversify Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Currently, your SIP is in a small cap fund, which is high-risk but can offer high returns. However, diversification is crucial. Consider investing in a mix of:

Large Cap Funds: These funds are less volatile and provide stable returns.
Mid Cap Funds: Balanced risk and return.
Multi Cap Funds: Invest across market capitalizations, offering diversification within the fund.
Benefits of Diversification:

Reduced Risk: Spread investments across different sectors.
Stability: Large and mid cap funds offer more stability compared to small caps.
3. Review and Adjust Your Stock Portfolio
Your stock portfolio has a present value of Rs 134112, which includes 4 units of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB). Continue monitoring your stocks and ensure diversification here as well. Investing in blue-chip stocks can provide stable growth, while mid and small cap stocks can offer higher returns.

Stock Investment Tips:

Regular Review: Keep track of your investments and market trends.
Diversify: Invest in different sectors to mitigate risks.
Long-Term Holding: Focus on long-term growth rather than short-term gains.
4. Continue with PPF Investments
PPF is a secure, tax-free investment option. It’s wise to continue investing in PPF due to its safety and tax benefits. Aim to increase your PPF contribution to Rs 5000 per month. This will provide a stable, risk-free component to your portfolio.

Why Continue PPF?

Tax Benefits: Contributions are eligible for tax deductions.
Safety: Backed by the government, ensuring capital protection.
Long-Term Growth: Compounded annually, offering attractive returns.
5. Avoid Direct Funds and Index Funds
Direct funds and index funds have their disadvantages. Direct funds require active management, which can be time-consuming and challenging without professional help. Index funds, on the other hand, are passively managed and may not outperform actively managed funds, especially in the Indian market.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Limited Flexibility: Restricted to the performance of the index.
Average Returns: May not capture high-growth opportunities.
Market Fluctuations: Susceptible to market downturns without active management.
6. Increase Your Health Insurance Cover
A health insurance cover of Rs 10 lakhs is good, but given the rising medical costs, it’s advisable to enhance your coverage. Consider a family floater plan if you plan to include dependents in the future.

Benefits of Increased Coverage:

Financial Security: Covers higher medical expenses.
Comprehensive Care: Access to better medical facilities and treatments.
7. Explore Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Actively managed funds are overseen by professional fund managers who make investment decisions based on market research and analysis. These funds can potentially offer higher returns compared to index funds.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds:

Professional Management: Fund managers actively seek growth opportunities.
Higher Returns: Potential to outperform the market.
Flexibility: Adapt to changing market conditions.
8. Avoid Real Estate and Annuities
Real estate and annuities are not recommended due to their illiquid nature and lower returns compared to other investment options. Focus on more liquid and higher-growth investments like mutual funds and stocks.

9. Emergency Fund
You should maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of your expenses. This will safeguard you against any unexpected financial crises without disrupting your investment plan.

Building an Emergency Fund:

Liquid Investments: Keep it in savings accounts or liquid mutual funds.
Regular Savings: Allocate a portion of your income each month.
10. Regularly Review Your Financial Plan
Financial planning is not a one-time activity. Regularly review and adjust your investments based on your changing financial situation and market conditions.

Importance of Regular Review:

Stay on Track: Ensure your investments align with your goals.
Adjust to Changes: Adapt to life events and market shifts.
Optimize Returns: Make necessary adjustments to maximize growth.
Final Insights
Reaching your target of Rs 4+ crores by 2046 requires disciplined savings and strategic investments. By increasing your SIP contributions, diversifying your mutual fund and stock portfolio, continuing with PPF, and regularly reviewing your financial plan, you can achieve your goal.

Remember, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized advice and help you stay on track. It's great to see your proactive approach to financial planning at such a young age. Keep up the good work, and you will surely reach your financial 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

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8500 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 21, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 35 year old and I want to build a corpous of 2-3 cr in next ten year i.e by 2034. I am investing 45k pm in equity through SIP. My current allocation is Rs20k in quant small cap growth direct, 10k in HDFC mid Cap opportunity fund, 5 in ICICI Large and Mid cap fund, 5k in ABSL PSU Equity fund, 5 k in quant infrastructure fund. (Note: I recently switched from Axis small cap fund to quant small cap fund having corpous of 2L). I am also committed to step up by 10% each year. Also I have NPS balance of Rs 27.00 lakh as on date and In NPS monthly contribution is Rs 22 k, which is separate from MF investment of 45K. Please advise whether change is needed in my plan or I may go with the same.
Ans: Congratulations on your commitment to building a significant corpus by 2034. Your current investment strategy is well thought out and shows a good understanding of equity investments through SIPs. Let’s review your plan and see if any changes or improvements can be made to help you achieve your financial goals more effectively.

Current Investment Portfolio
Your current SIP allocation is as follows:

Quant Small Cap Growth Direct: Rs 20,000 per month
HDFC Mid Cap Opportunity Fund: Rs 10,000 per month
ICICI Large and Mid Cap Fund: Rs 5,000 per month
ABSL PSU Equity Fund: Rs 5,000 per month
Quant Infrastructure Fund: Rs 5,000 per month
Additionally, you have an NPS balance of Rs 27 lakh, with a monthly contribution of Rs 22,000.

Evaluating Your Portfolio
1. Small Cap Funds
Small cap funds can provide high returns but come with significant volatility. Your allocation of Rs 20,000 per month in Quant Small Cap is substantial. Given the potential for high growth, this is a reasonable allocation but should be balanced with more stable investments.

2. Mid Cap Funds
Investing Rs 10,000 per month in HDFC Mid Cap Opportunity Fund is a good choice for capital appreciation. Mid cap funds offer a balance between the high growth of small caps and the stability of large caps.

3. Large and Mid Cap Funds
Allocating Rs 5,000 per month in ICICI Large and Mid Cap Fund adds stability to your portfolio. These funds invest in a mix of large and mid cap stocks, providing growth potential with less volatility than small caps.

4. Sector-Specific Funds
ABSL PSU Equity Fund: Rs 5,000 per month in a sector-specific fund like this can be risky due to its concentrated exposure.
Quant Infrastructure Fund: Another sector-specific fund which can be highly volatile and dependent on government policies and economic conditions.
Suggested Portfolio Adjustments
To achieve your goal of Rs 2-3 crore in 10 years, here are some suggestions:

Diversify Sector-Specific Investments
Sector-specific funds like ABSL PSU and Quant Infrastructure can be high-risk. Diversifying into more broadly diversified equity funds can reduce risk. Consider reallocating some of these investments to multi-cap or flexi-cap funds.

Increase Stability with Large Cap Funds
Increase your allocation to large cap funds. These funds offer more stability and consistent returns, balancing the high-risk small and mid cap investments.

Maintain ELSS for Tax Benefits
If you are not already investing in ELSS funds, consider allocating a portion of your SIPs to them. They provide tax benefits under Section 80C and can help in wealth accumulation.

Step-Up SIP Strategy
Your plan to step up your SIPs by 10% each year is excellent. This strategy helps in combating inflation and increasing your corpus significantly over time. Continue with this disciplined approach.

National Pension System (NPS)
Your NPS contributions are a great way to build a retirement corpus. The NPS offers tax benefits and the potential for good returns. Keep contributing Rs 22,000 per month and ensure you review the asset allocation within NPS regularly.

Example Reallocation
Here’s a suggested reallocation for a balanced and diversified portfolio:

Large Cap Fund: Rs 10,000 per month
Multi-Cap/Flexi-Cap Fund: Rs 10,000 per month
Mid Cap Fund: Rs 10,000 per month
Small Cap Fund: Rs 10,000 per month
ELSS Fund: Rs 5,000 per month
This allocation provides a balance of growth and stability, with a focus on diversified funds to reduce risk.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly monitor your investments to ensure they are performing as expected. Rebalance your portfolio annually to maintain the desired asset allocation. This helps in mitigating risks and ensuring alignment with your financial goals.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is commendable, and with a few adjustments, you can further optimize your portfolio for better risk management and growth. Diversifying your sector-specific funds into broader equity funds and maintaining a disciplined step-up SIP strategy will help you achieve your goal of Rs 2-3 crore by 2034.

Feel free to reach out for personalized advice or assistance in structuring your investment portfolio. I'm here to help you optimize your investments and achieve your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8500 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 11, 2024

Money
Sir, I am 30 years old, unmarried. I have been investing Rs. 3500/- monthly towards SIP for the last 5 years in different SBI equity mutual funds with a target of at least 20 years. I have been also investing Rs, 1,50,000/- yearly towards PPF for the last 5 years. I shall continue even after 15 years. My goal is to have at least Rs. One Crore within 20 years. Kindly give me a plan to achieve my goal.
Ans: Understanding Your Current Investments
You have made commendable efforts towards securing your financial future. Consistent investing in SIPs and PPF shows discipline. Let's assess your current situation to make a robust plan for achieving your goal.

You are investing Rs. 3,500 monthly in SIPs and Rs. 1,50,000 annually in PPF. Your goal is to amass Rs. 1 crore in 20 years. Let’s break down these investments.

Three years of investing Rs. 3,500 per month in SIPs means you have been investing Rs. 42,000 annually in equity mutual funds.

Over five years, your total SIP investment would be Rs. 2,10,000, excluding any returns.

PPF contributions of Rs. 1,50,000 annually for five years mean you have invested Rs. 7,50,000 in total in PPF.

Analyzing SIP Investments
Equity mutual funds can offer substantial returns over the long term. Historically, they have provided an average annual return of around 12-15%. For a 20-year period, this could be significant.

Let’s estimate your SIP future value. Assuming an average annual return of 12%:

If you continue to invest Rs. 3,500 monthly for the next 15 years, the future value can be calculated using the formula for the future value of a series:

FV = P * [(1 + r)^n - 1] / r

Where:

P = monthly investment (Rs. 3,500)
r = monthly return rate (12% annually or 1% monthly)
n = total number of months (15 years * 12)
FV = 3,500 * [(1 + 0.01)^180 - 1] / 0.01

This calculates to approximately Rs. 18,60,000 after 15 years.

Your existing SIP investments would also grow. Assuming they’ve been growing at 12% annually for 5 years, their future value would be around Rs. 2,10,000 * (1 + 0.12)^5 = Rs. 3,71,000.

Combining both, your SIP investments could potentially grow to around Rs. 22,31,000 in 20 years.

Evaluating PPF Investments
PPF is a safe investment, with current interest rates around 7-8%. Over 20 years, this can also grow substantially due to compounding.

Using the PPF future value formula:

FV = P * [(1 + r)^n - 1] / r

Where:

P = annual investment (Rs. 1,50,000)
r = annual interest rate (7.1%)
n = total number of years (20 years)
FV = 1,50,000 * [(1 + 0.071)^20 - 1] / 0.071

This calculates to approximately Rs. 65,00,000 after 20 years.

Your existing PPF investments would also grow. Assuming they’ve been growing at 7.1% annually for 5 years, their future value would be around Rs. 7,50,000 * (1 + 0.071)^15 = Rs. 21,00,000.

Combining both, your PPF investments could potentially grow to around Rs. 86,00,000 in 20 years.

Total Projected Wealth
By adding the future values of your SIP and PPF investments:

SIP future value: Rs. 22,31,000
PPF future value: Rs. 86,00,000
Total: Rs. 1,08,31,000

This projection indicates that you could achieve your goal of Rs. 1 crore within 20 years if market conditions are favorable and you maintain your disciplined investment approach.

Assessing Your Financial Strategy
Your current strategy is on the right track, showing a mix of growth-oriented and safe investments. However, it’s essential to stay updated and adjust your plan if needed.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are designed to outperform the market. Skilled fund managers adjust portfolios based on market conditions, aiming for higher returns. This can be beneficial, especially in volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

They track market indices and may underperform in certain conditions.
Lack of flexibility to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Potentially lower returns compared to actively managed funds.
Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) has benefits. They provide professional guidance, helping you choose the right funds and strategies. This can enhance your investment performance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of professional guidance can lead to poor fund choices.
Investors might miss out on strategic adjustments in portfolios.
Time-consuming for those unfamiliar with financial markets.
Importance of Review and Rebalancing
Regular review of your investments is crucial. Markets fluctuate, and so do your personal circumstances. Periodic reviews ensure your investments stay aligned with your goals.

Rebalancing your portfolio helps maintain the desired asset allocation. It involves shifting investments to achieve the optimal mix of risk and return. This process can potentially enhance returns and reduce risks.

Risk Management and Diversification
Diversification spreads risk across different asset classes. While equity mutual funds provide growth, PPF offers stability. Diversifying your investments can protect against market volatility.

Risk management is vital. Understand your risk tolerance and choose investments accordingly. It’s important to balance between aggressive growth and capital preservation.

Monitoring Market Trends and Economic Indicators
Staying informed about market trends and economic indicators helps make informed decisions. Economic growth, inflation rates, and interest rate changes impact your investments. Keeping an eye on these factors aids in strategic adjustments.

Tax Planning and Benefits
PPF offers tax benefits under Section 80C. This reduces your taxable income, providing dual benefits of savings and returns. SIP investments in Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) can also offer tax deductions.

Professional Advice and Financial Planning
While you are on the right track, professional advice can add value. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps create a comprehensive plan. They consider your goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions to craft a personalized strategy.

Final Insights
Your disciplined approach towards SIPs and PPF is commendable. Projections show you are likely to achieve your Rs. 1 crore goal within 20 years. It’s essential to continue with your current strategy while staying adaptable.

Regular reviews, professional guidance, and staying informed about market trends are key to success. Diversification and risk management will safeguard your investments. By following these practices, you can achieve your financial goals confidently.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4986 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 24, 2025

Career
My daughter got 94.67 percentile in jee mains.her obs rank is 27873.we are from rajasthan.can she get nit.if yes than which nit and branch.
Ans: Hemlata Madam, Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main/Advanced Results – A Step-by-Step Guide

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.
Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Have some other options also as back-ups instead of relying only on JEE/JoSAA.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admission and a bright future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4986 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 24, 2025
Career
Sir i have scored 95 percentile (75k) in jee mains and home state is rajasthan gen cat i was looking at bit mesra pec chandigarh for mechanical/civil and are these better options or should i go for north eastern nits and nits pondicherry nit raipur and tier 3 nits and i am confident enoungh i will be able to secure rvce cse in comedk which would be great option for me i have equal interest in core and tech branch and pls suggest good iiits to me
Ans: Prefer RVCE if you Score below AIR-500 through COMKEDK, if fee is affordable for you. With a 95 percentile and around 75,000 rank in JEE Mains, admission to top NITs or IIITs for CSE is unlikely, but you can secure seats in mid-tier NITs like NIT Silchar, NIT Meghalaya, NIT Pondicherry, and NIT Raipur for Mechanical or Civil branches. These NITs are improving rapidly in academics and placements and provide good core engineering education. Tier 3 NITs such as NIT Agartala and NIT Manipur are also accessible options. BIT Mesra and PEC Chandigarh are reputed private universities with strong programs and placements in core branches and are good alternatives if you prefer private institutes. For tech-oriented branches, newer IIITs like IIIT Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Vadodara offer CSE, IT, or ECE branches with decent placement records and accept ranks around your range. Since you have equal interest in core and tech, choosing Mechanical or Civil in NITs or BIT/PEC is advisable for core engineering, while IIITs or private universities can be considered for tech branches. Balancing branch preference with college reputation and placement prospects will help you make the best choice. All the best for your admission and a bright future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4986 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 24, 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.

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