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Mutual Fund Investment Advice (15 Year Horizon 38 Year Old)

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8862 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

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
Shubham Question by Shubham on Jan 30, 2025Hindi
Money

Hello sir, I am aged 38 and like to invest in mutual fund for first time. My horizon is minimum 15years for wealth creation.Kindly review my choices for 35k monthly allocation. 1. Gold mf 3000 2. Hdfc balanced advantage fund - 5000 3. Icici pru equity and debt fund - 5000 4. Parag parikh flexi cap fund - 5000 5. Hdfc flexi cap fund - 5000 6. Hdfc midcap opportunities - 3000 7. Kotak emerging midcap equity - 3000 8. Icici nifty IT index fund - 4000 9. Kotak nasdaq 100 fof - 2000 Please let me know if o need to add any fund or change the allocation of amount among these funds for moderate risk profile. Also i want to invest 20-25 lakh lumpsum as STP. On which fund above and how much shall i invest lumpsum.

Ans: You are 38 years old and investing in mutual funds for the first time.

Your investment horizon is at least 15 years, which is good for wealth creation.

You plan to invest Rs. 35,000 per month through SIP.

You also want to invest Rs. 20-25 lakhs as a lump sum through Systematic Transfer Plan (STP).

Your risk profile is moderate, meaning you want a balance of growth and stability.

Reviewing Your Current Fund Selection
1. Gold Fund (Rs. 3,000 per month)
Gold is not a long-term wealth creator like equity.

It offers hedging against inflation, but returns are not consistent.

A small allocation is fine, but 10% of your SIP is too high.

Reduce to Rs. 1,500 per month and use the extra Rs. 1,500 in equity.

2. Balanced Advantage Fund (Rs. 5,000 per month)
These funds dynamically shift between equity and debt.

They reduce volatility but may not maximise returns over 15 years.

Keeping it is fine, but Rs. 3,000 per month is enough.

3. Equity & Debt Hybrid Fund (Rs. 5,000 per month)
This fund offers stability with some equity growth.

Good for a moderate risk profile.

Rs. 3,000 per month is sufficient.

4. Flexi Cap Funds (Rs. 10,000 per month in two funds)
Flexi-cap funds invest across large, mid, and small caps.

They offer diversification and strong long-term returns.

Keeping two funds is fine, but they should be different in strategy.

Rs. 10,000 allocation is good, but ensure they don’t overlap too much.

5. Midcap Funds (Rs. 6,000 per month in two funds)
Midcap funds can deliver high growth but are volatile.

Investing Rs. 6,000 per month (17% of SIP) is reasonable.

If you want less risk, reduce midcap allocation to Rs. 4,000.

6. IT Index Fund (Rs. 4,000 per month)
Index funds are not ideal, as they don’t outperform actively managed funds.

IT sector is cyclical and has periods of underperformance.

If you want sector exposure, use an actively managed technology fund instead.

Avoid this fund and redirect Rs. 4,000 to flexi-cap or large-cap funds.

7. International Fund (Rs. 2,000 per month)
Exposure to global markets is good for diversification.

The Nasdaq 100 is tech-heavy, which makes it risky.

If you want international exposure, choose a diversified global fund instead.

Keep Rs. 2,000 allocation but switch to a fund with wider global exposure.

Suggested SIP Allocation After Changes
Gold Fund: Reduce from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 1,500 per month. Gold is not a long-term wealth creator.

Balanced Advantage Fund: Reduce from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 3,000 per month. These funds are good for stability but may not maximise returns.

Hybrid Equity & Debt Fund: Reduce from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 3,000 per month. This allocation is enough for stability.

Flexi Cap Funds: Keep the Rs. 10,000 per month allocation. These funds provide good diversification and long-term growth.

Midcap Funds: Reduce from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 4,000 per month. Midcap funds are volatile. A moderate risk profile requires a slightly lower allocation.

IT Index Fund: Remove the Rs. 4,000 per month allocation. Index funds don’t outperform actively managed funds, and IT sector performance is cyclical.

International Fund: Retain Rs. 2,000 per month, but choose a fund with broader global exposure instead of a tech-heavy index.

Large Cap Fund (New Addition): Add Rs. 5,500 per month to a well-managed large-cap fund for stability and consistent growth.

How to Invest Rs. 20-25 Lakhs as STP
Invest the lump sum in a liquid or ultra-short-term fund to avoid market timing risks.

Transfer through Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) over 12-18 months to reduce volatility impact.

Allocate 60% to flexi-cap and large-cap funds for stability and growth.

Allocate 30% to midcap and hybrid funds for balanced growth.

Allocate 10% to international and gold funds for diversification.

Final Insights
Your SIP plan is well-structured, but minor changes will improve risk-return balance.

Removing the IT index fund and reducing midcap exposure will lower volatility.

Increasing large-cap allocation will bring stability without compromising returns.

Investing the lump sum through STP over 12-18 months will reduce risk.

Choosing actively managed funds over index funds will provide better returns.

This approach ensures long-term wealth creation with controlled risk.

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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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 2024

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Sir, I am 55 years old. I want to invest in Mutual funds. I have presently one lakh to invest. I have planned to invest lumpsum in the following: 1. 50% in Large cap mutual fund 2. 20% in Mid cap mutual fund 3. 15% in Small cap mutual fund 4. 15% in Flexi cap mutual fund I would like to know that whether my above planning is OK or not. Can I do anything else and not doing the above? If my above planning is Ok , then pls suggest which mutual fund to opt for different categories mentioned above.
Ans: Assessing Your Investment Plan

Your plan to invest Rs 1 lakh in mutual funds is a good start. Let's assess your allocation strategy and provide recommendations for each category.

Allocation Strategy

Large Cap Mutual Funds (50%): These funds invest in large, well-established companies. They offer stability and moderate returns.

Mid Cap Mutual Funds (20%): These funds invest in medium-sized companies. They offer higher growth potential but come with more risk.

Small Cap Mutual Funds (15%): These funds invest in smaller companies. They have high growth potential but are very risky.

Flexi Cap Mutual Funds (15%): These funds invest across market capitalizations. They offer flexibility and can adapt to market conditions.

Evaluation of Your Allocation

Diversification: Your allocation provides a good mix of stability and growth. This helps in balancing risk and returns.

Risk Management: Allocating 50% to large caps provides a stable base. Mid and small caps add growth potential.

Flexibility: Including flexi cap funds adds flexibility to your portfolio. It allows for adaptation to market changes.

Suggestions for Improvement

Review Fund Selection: Regularly review and choose funds with a consistent track record.

Avoid Direct Funds: Direct funds may seem cost-effective but lack professional guidance. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures better fund management.

Diversify Further: Consider adding debt funds for further risk management. They provide stability and income.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Lack of Guidance: Direct funds do not offer professional advice. This can lead to suboptimal fund selection.

Time-Consuming: Managing direct funds requires time and expertise. Regular funds managed by professionals save you effort.

Fund Recommendations

Large Cap Mutual Funds: Choose funds with a good track record. Look for consistent performance and low expense ratios.

Mid Cap Mutual Funds: Select funds with experienced fund managers. Ensure the fund has a strong performance history.

Small Cap Mutual Funds: Opt for funds with high growth potential. Ensure they have a good track record in managing risks.

Flexi Cap Mutual Funds: Choose funds that dynamically allocate across market caps. Look for flexibility and adaptability to market conditions.

Final Insights

Balanced Approach: Your allocation strategy is well-balanced. It provides a mix of stability and growth.

Regular Review: Review your portfolio regularly. Adjust based on performance and market conditions.

Professional Guidance: Work with a Certified Financial Planner. They can help you choose the best funds and manage your portfolio effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8862 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 17, 2025

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Name- shubham Age-38 Objective - First time investing for an horizon of 15years for long term wealth creation. Risk appetite - Moderate (portfolio downfall upto 10-12) Monthly Sip - 35k Funds - icici gold saving- 2500 Icici multi asset - 7500 Parag parikh flexi - 10000 Hdfc flexi - 7000 Sbi nifty consumption index - 2500 Sbi technology opportunity -2500 Sbi healthcare opportunity - 3000 Query - 1. Is the funds chosen are fine. 2. Do i need change the allocation 3. I want to invest lumpsum of 20lakhs additional. In what ratio and in which fund i should allocate.
Ans: Your investment approach is well-planned. A long-term horizon of 15 years is beneficial. The moderate risk appetite aligns with your asset allocation. Below is a detailed assessment of your portfolio and recommendations for improvement.

Evaluation of Current SIP Portfolio
The portfolio consists of equity, sectoral, multi-asset, and gold funds.

Exposure to sectoral funds is slightly high, increasing concentration risk.

Gold allocation is small but useful for diversification.

Multi-asset allocation adds stability, but its performance depends on asset allocation.

There is a good balance of flexi-cap and diversified equity funds.

The index-based fund is not ideal due to its passive nature.

Actively managed funds provide better flexibility and scope for higher returns.

Recommended Portfolio Adjustments
Reduce exposure to sector-specific funds to lower concentration risk.

Shift from index-based funds to actively managed funds for better risk-adjusted returns.

Maintain gold allocation but avoid excessive investment in it.

Multi-asset funds can remain but should not dominate the portfolio.

Maintain flexibility by investing in funds with broader diversification.

Revised SIP Allocation Suggestion
Reduce sector funds allocation to limit risk.

Increase allocation to diversified and flexi-cap funds.

Maintain gold exposure only for stability and not for wealth creation.

Focus on long-term equity growth for wealth accumulation.

Utilisation of Rs 20 Lakh Lump Sum Investment
Investing in a staggered manner reduces market timing risk.

Use a systematic transfer plan (STP) to invest gradually into equity.

Allocate based on risk-adjusted growth potential.

Avoid placing too much in sectoral or thematic funds.

Suggested Lump Sum Investment Allocation
Large & Flexi-Cap Funds: 50% for stability and growth.

Mid & Small-Cap Funds: 25% for high-growth potential.

Multi-Asset or Balanced Funds: 15% for risk management.

Gold & Debt: 10% for safety and diversification.

Final Insights
Your investment plan is structured well but needs small adjustments.

Reduce sector fund allocation and move towards diversified funds.

Avoid index funds and focus on actively managed equity funds.

Invest the lump sum amount through STP to reduce risk.

A disciplined and long-term approach will help achieve financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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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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