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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 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
k Question by k on Apr 17, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, my age is 48 years working professional and wants good corpus after 8 years for retirement . I am having SIP in direct plan as follows Parag Parikh flexi cap fund 15000 pm Quant Active Fund. 5000 Mirae asset Large and Mid cap. 5000 Kotak emerging equity fund 5000 Quant Mid cap Fund. 5000 Nippon India small cap fund. 5000 Addinationally, lumsum inventment as below DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth 200000 Quant Large Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth -300000 ICICI Prudential Short term Fund Direct- 200000 NPS 50000 per year from year 2017 Kindly please review my portfolio and advise and guide I can add 10000 per month in SIP in this thank you

Ans: Hello,

I appreciate your diligence in planning for your retirement at 48, and I must say your investment portfolio showcases a thoughtful mix of funds. Let's delve into a comprehensive review and see how we can optimize it further.

Your SIP allocations are diverse, covering various market segments. However, having multiple funds in similar categories might lead to over-diversification. It's essential to ensure that each fund serves a distinct purpose in your portfolio.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund offers a global perspective and flexibility, while Quant Active Fund focuses on quantitative strategies. Mirae Asset Large and Mid Cap Fund and Kotak Emerging Equity Fund provide exposure to large and mid-cap segments, respectively, balancing growth potential and stability.

Quant Mid Cap Fund and Nippon India Small Cap Fund target mid and small-cap stocks, aiming for higher growth potential. While small and mid-cap funds can be volatile, they offer the opportunity for significant long-term returns.

Regarding your lump sum investments, DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund and Quant Large Cap Fund provide exposure to large-cap equities. However, it's crucial to note that investing in index funds may limit potential returns compared to actively managed funds due to their passive nature.

ICICI Prudential Short Term Fund offers stability and income generation through debt instruments. It's a prudent choice for balancing the risk in your portfolio.

There are some advantages to consider direct funds, and the cost savings can be significant in the long run. However, there are some potential benefits to using a regular MFD:
Advantages of Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):
• Personalized Advice: MFDs can be helpful for beginners or those who lack investment knowledge. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend suitable mutual funds. This personalized guidance can be valuable, especially if you're new to investing.
• Convenience: MFDs handle all the paperwork and transactions on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can help with account setup, SIP registrations, and managing your portfolio across different funds.
• Investor Support: MFDs can be a point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your investments. They can provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your investment journey.


As for your NPS investment, it's commendable that you've been contributing consistently since 2017. NPS offers tax benefits and retirement planning advantages, contributing to your long-term financial security.

Now, let's discuss potential adjustments to enhance your portfolio. Given your 8-year retirement horizon, you may consider gradually reducing exposure to small and mid-cap funds to mitigate volatility as you approach retirement age.

Adding Rs 10,000 per month to your SIPs is a wise move to bolster your corpus. However, consider allocating this additional amount to funds that complement your existing holdings and fill any gaps in your portfolio diversification.

I recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to fine-tune your investment strategy based on your risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon. A CFP can provide personalized guidance and ensure that your portfolio aligns with your retirement objectives.

In conclusion, your portfolio demonstrates a proactive approach to retirement planning. By making strategic adjustments and leveraging professional advice, you can optimize your investments to achieve your long-term 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.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir Sangayya hear from Karnataka my age is 43 from last 3 years I started my SIP details r as below 1 ELSS - 5 sips each 1k 2. Large & mid cap fund - 3 sips 1k each 3. Thematic fund - Franklin India opp - 5k 4. Multi asset allocator - Tata 5k 5.Flexi cap fund - 2 Sips 1k each 6. Dynamic Asset - Edelweiss balanced Adv fund 1k 7. Small cap - Nippon India 1k Total monthly 22k is my investment kindly suggest I want to build my corpus 1cr in another 10 year
Ans: You've made a good start with your SIP investments across various categories. To achieve a corpus of 1 crore in 10 years, you'll need an average annual return of around 12%, considering your current investment of 22k per month.

Here are some suggestions to optimize your portfolio:

ELSS: Great for tax-saving, but remember the lock-in period. Ensure you're comfortable with the fund's performance and risk profile.

Large & Mid-cap: These funds offer a balanced approach. Monitor the performance and consider consolidating into a top-performing fund if necessary.

Thematic Fund: These are more focused and can be riskier. Ensure it aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Multi-Asset Allocator: Offers diversification across asset classes. A good choice for balanced growth. Ensure the fund's strategy aligns with your goals.

Flexi Cap & Dynamic Asset Allocation: These provide flexibility to invest across market caps and adjust to market conditions. Ensure they complement each other and don't overlap too much.

Small Cap: High growth potential but higher risk. Ensure it fits your risk profile and consider monitoring closely due to higher volatility.

General Recommendations:

Review & Rebalance: Regularly review your portfolio's performance and adjust if necessary. Consider shifting funds to top performers or reallocating based on market conditions.

Risk Assessment: Ensure your portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Costs: Opt for direct plans to reduce costs and improve returns.

Diversification: Ensure your portfolio is well-diversified across asset classes and not overly concentrated in one sector or fund.

Professional Advice: Consider consulting a financial advisor for personalized guidance based on your financial goals and risk profile.

In summary, continue your disciplined approach with SIPs, regularly review and adjust your portfolio, and stay invested for the long term to achieve your goal of 1 crore in 10 years.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi Sir Sangayya hear from Karnataka my age is 43 from last 3 years I started my SIP details r as below 1 ELSS - 5 sips each 1k 2. Large & mid cap fund - 3 sips 1k each 3. Thematic fund - Franklin India opp - 5k 4. Multi asset allocator - Tata 5k 5.Flexi cap fund - 2 Sips 1k each 6. Dynamic Asset - Edelweiss balanced Adv fund 1k 7. Small cap - Nippon India 1k Total monthly 22k is my investment kindly suggest I want to build my corpus 1cr in another 10 year & how much I have to invest more to achieve Target
Ans: Hello Sangayya, it's great to see your commitment to building your financial future through SIP investments. Let's break down your goal of reaching a corpus of 1 crore in 10 years and assess your current investment approach:

Review Current Investments: Evaluate the performance of your existing SIPs relative to their benchmarks and peers. This will help you understand if adjustments are needed to optimize your portfolio for growth.
Assess Required Monthly Investment: To reach a corpus of 1 crore in 10 years, you'll need to calculate the required monthly investment based on your expected rate of return. This depends on factors like the type of funds you're investing in and prevailing market conditions.
Consider Increasing SIP Amount: If your current monthly investment of 22k isn't sufficient to reach your goal, you may need to increase your SIP amounts or explore additional investment avenues. A Certified Financial Planner can help you determine the optimal investment strategy based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Stay Consistent and Patient: Building a substantial corpus takes time and discipline. Stay committed to your investment plan, continue SIPs regularly, and avoid making emotional decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.
Regular Portfolio Review: Periodically review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed. Rebalancing your investments and exploring new opportunities can help you stay on track towards achieving your financial goals.
Remember, while setting ambitious targets is commendable, it's essential to ensure that your investment strategy is realistic and aligned with your risk tolerance and financial capacity. With careful planning and perseverance, you can work towards building a significant corpus over the next decade.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, my age is 48 years working professional and wants good corpus after 8 years for retirement . I am having SIP in direct plan as follows Parag Parikh flexi cap fund 15000 pm Quant Active Fund. 5000 Mirae asset Large and Mid cap. 5000 Kotak emerging equity fund 5000 Quant Mid cap Fund. 5000 Nippon India small cap fund. 5000 Addinationally, lumsum inventment as below DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth 200000 Quant Large Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth -300000 ICICI Prudential Short term Fund Direct- 200000 NPS 50000 per year from year 2017 Kindly please review my portfolio and advise and guide I can add 10000 per month in SIP in this thank you
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to retirement planning through SIPs and lump sum investments. Let's review your portfolio and discuss potential adjustments:

SIPs:
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, Mirae Asset Large and Mid Cap Fund, and Kotak Emerging Equity Fund offer diversification across different market segments.
Quant Active Fund, Quant Mid Cap Fund, and Nippon India Small Cap Fund provide exposure to growth-oriented stocks.
Consider reviewing the performance of each fund periodically and ensure they align with your risk tolerance and investment goals.
Lump Sum Investments:
DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of Nifty 50 stocks.
Quant Large Cap Fund offers potential growth opportunities in large-cap stocks.
ICICI Prudential Short Term Fund Direct is a suitable option for short-term liquidity needs.
NPS contributions provide tax benefits and retirement savings growth potential.
Additional SIP Contribution:
Increasing your SIP contribution by 10,000 per month can accelerate wealth accumulation and help achieve your retirement corpus goal.
Consider allocating the additional SIP amount across existing funds or exploring new funds to enhance diversification.
Review and Rebalance:
Regularly review your portfolio's performance and rebalance if needed to maintain optimal asset allocation.
Assess your risk tolerance and adjust your investment strategy accordingly to ensure it remains aligned with your financial objectives.
Seek Professional Advice:
As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend consulting with a financial advisor to conduct a comprehensive review of your portfolio.
A professional can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances and help optimize your investment strategy.
By staying disciplined in your savings and investment approach and periodically reviewing your portfolio, you can work towards building a substantial corpus for your retirement. Keep up the good work, and remember to stay focused on your long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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Asked by Anonymous - Nov 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am 40yrs old. Having monthly takehome salary of 1.1 lakh and rental income of 36000. My investment are 2 flats worth of 1cr. 4 plots in Bhubaneswar worth of 2crs. EPF balance 50 lakh, LIC policies worth of 16 lakhs, NPS worth of 10 lakhs. My monthly saving commitments are - EPF (employee+employer) 28000 NPS 15000 MF 7500 Gold scheme 5000 Financial burden - HL emi of 24000 Monthly expanses 50000 I would like to retire at 50. Please advise for retirement plan with life expectancy of 80yrs.
Ans: Hello;

The value of your investments after 10 years;

A. EPF Corpus+Contribution: 1.6 Cr
B. NPS Corpus+Contribution: 53 L
C. MF(sip) + Gold(sip): 25 L
D. Real estate (land): 3.26 Cr

So sum of A, C & D gives us a corpus of 5.11 Cr

Since you will withdraw NPS before 60 age 80% of corpus will go into annuity while 20% will be available to you.

So you may expect monthly income of around 21 K from annuity(42.4 L).

Balance 10.6 L get added to 5.11L taking your total corpus to ~ 5.2 Cr.

If you invest 5 Cr in a conservative hybrid debt fund and do a SWP at the rate of 3%, you may expect a monthly income of around 1.1 L(post-tax).

Add your monthly rental income of 36 K(No growth factored) and annuity income of 21 K to this and you have total monthly income of 1.67 L after 10 years.

Your current monthly expenses of 50 K after 10 years would be around 90 K and 1.6 L after 20 years.

Considering return of around 7-7.5% from the conservative hybrid debt fund you will still generate inflation adjusted return at 3% SWP after 80 years of age.

Assumptions:
Inflation rate-6%
Return from EPF-8%
Return from NPS-9%
Return from MF-10%
Return from gold-7%
Return from Land-5%
Annuity rate-6%

The spare flat is not considered in this because it will continue to yield you rental income in retirement.

Since real estate(land) returns may fluctuate over 10 years suggest to increase MF sip(6X) as a back-up, also in this case you may decide to retain & invest in NPS upto 60 age.

Of course MF returns are also not assured but you are improving the odds by backing two appreciable assets(RE & equity) over long-term.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Money
My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

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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