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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8335 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 07, 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
Rajesh Question by Rajesh on Dec 06, 2024Hindi
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Money

Hello sir. Currently I am 35 years old. I have just started investing in mutual funds. (a) parag parekh flexi cap - 7500/- per month (B) tata small cap 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 AREA THESE MUTUAL FUNDS ARE OK or I should change any fund. And where should I invest this additional 1 lkh rupee per annum...

Ans: Your commitment to investing Rs. 36,000 monthly at age 35 is admirable. The addition of Rs. 1 lakh annually indicates a strong focus on wealth creation. Let us analyse your portfolio and suggest improvements.

Portfolio Review
Flexi-Cap Fund (Rs. 7,500)
Flexi-cap funds provide the flexibility to invest across market capitalisations.
This flexibility ensures adaptability to changing market trends.
Retaining this allocation adds balance to your portfolio.
Small-Cap Funds (Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 4,000)
Small-cap funds are high-risk, high-reward investments.
Over a long horizon, they can deliver superior growth but may experience volatility.
Retain small-cap allocation but avoid excessive exposure to manage risks.
ELSS Tax Saver Fund (Rs. 5,000)
ELSS funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C with a 3-year lock-in.
They are a great tool for long-term wealth creation and tax planning.
Continue this SIP, as it aligns with your goals and tax-saving needs.
Mid-Cap Fund (Rs. 5,000)
Mid-cap funds strike a balance between growth and stability.
They are ideal for long-term investors with moderate risk tolerance.
Retain this allocation, as it complements your portfolio.
Infrastructure Fund (Rs. 3,500)
Infrastructure funds focus on the infrastructure sector.
These funds are concentrated and depend heavily on sectoral performance.
Consider reducing or reallocating this amount to more diversified funds.
Quant Small Cap and Active Funds (Rs. 3,500 each)
Having multiple funds in the same category can lead to overlap.
Consolidating funds can simplify management and improve portfolio efficiency.
Quant Absolute Fund (Rs. 5,000)
This fund's balanced approach offers exposure to equity and debt.
Retain this allocation, as it can provide stability during market corrections.
Suggestions for Portfolio Improvement
Simplify Your Portfolio
Holding too many funds increases overlap and complexity.
Retain one well-performing small-cap and multi-cap fund each.
Avoid over-diversification, which can dilute returns.
Focus on Core Categories
Stick to diversified categories like flexi-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds.
These funds balance risk and reward effectively over the long term.
Reduce Sector-Specific Allocation
Infrastructure funds are risky due to their dependency on economic cycles.
Consider reallocating this amount to diversified equity funds.
Monitor Performance Annually
Review each fund’s performance over a 3-5 year period.
Replace consistently underperforming funds with better options.
Additional Rs. 1 Lakh Investment
Consider Balanced Approach
Divide Rs. 1 lakh between equity and debt for diversification.
Equity funds for growth and debt instruments for stability.
Allocate to Equity Funds
Invest in existing funds with proven long-term performance.
This will enhance the power of compounding in your portfolio.
Explore Debt Mutual Funds
Debt funds reduce portfolio volatility and offer predictable returns.
They are ideal for managing short-term goals or risk diversification.
Emergency Fund Allocation
Use part of this amount to build or enhance your emergency fund.
An emergency fund should cover 6–12 months of expenses.
Achieving Rs. 2 Crore Goal
SIP Continuation
Your Rs. 36,000 monthly SIP is aligned with your Rs. 2 crore target.
Consistency is key to achieving long-term goals.
Incremental Investments
Increase SIP amounts periodically with income growth.
This will help bridge any shortfall and accelerate corpus growth.
Avoid Frequent Changes
Stick to your strategy and avoid impulsive changes during market volatility.
A disciplined approach ensures better results over time.
Taxation Awareness
Gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Plan withdrawals accordingly to minimise tax impact.
Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-structured but needs simplification to improve efficiency. Retain core funds, reduce sectoral exposure, and reallocate overlapping categories. Use the additional Rs. 1 lakh for equity and debt allocation to enhance diversification. Stay disciplined, monitor performance, and increase SIPs periodically to achieve your Rs. 2 crore goal by 2035.

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8335 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir. Currently I am 35 years old. I have just started investing in mutual funds. (a) parag parekh flexi cap - 7500/- per month (B) tata small cap 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 AREA THESE MUTUAL FUNDS ARE OK or I should change any fund. And where should I invest this additional 1 lkh rupee per annum
Ans: You have taken a solid step by investing in mutual funds. Let’s assess your portfolio for alignment with your Rs. 2 crore goal by 2035.

Analysing Fund Selection
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund
A flexi cap fund is suitable for long-term growth.

It provides exposure to multiple market segments and geographies.

Tata Small Cap Fund
Small-cap funds can deliver high returns but carry high risk.

Keep exposure limited to control portfolio volatility.

Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund
ELSS funds are excellent for tax-saving under Section 80C.

They also provide equity exposure with a lock-in period of 3 years.

PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund
Mid-cap funds balance growth potential and risk.

It fits well for wealth creation over 10+ years.

Quant Infrastructure Fund
Sectoral funds like infrastructure are highly volatile.

Limit their allocation to avoid concentrated risk.

Quant Small Cap Fund
Small-cap funds should be balanced with large-cap or flexi-cap funds.

Diversify further to mitigate risks.

Quant Active Fund
This multi-cap fund offers flexibility in stock allocation.

It can complement other diversified funds in your portfolio.

Quant Absolute Fund
Balanced funds can provide stability to a portfolio.

Use these for moderate growth with reduced risk.

Portfolio Observations
Strengths
Good mix of diversified equity funds and mid-cap options.

Includes ELSS for tax savings.

Concerns
High allocation to small-cap and sectoral funds increases portfolio risk.

Quant funds dominate, reducing diversification across fund houses.

Suggested Portfolio Adjustments
Reduce Small-Cap Exposure
Retain one small-cap fund, preferably Tata Small Cap.

Exit the Quant Small Cap Fund to reduce concentrated risk.

Diversify Fund Houses
Choose funds from varied AMCs for better risk distribution.

Avoid over-reliance on a single fund house like Quant.

Add Large-Cap Focus
Include a large-cap or large and mid-cap fund for stability.

These funds are essential for balancing risk.

Utilising the Additional Rs. 1 Lakh Annually
Lump Sum in Mutual Funds
Invest the amount in existing equity funds systematically.

Distribute it across balanced and large-cap funds.

Consider Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds offer equity growth with debt stability.

Allocate Rs. 50,000 annually to a good hybrid fund.

Emergency Fund
Build an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses.

Use liquid funds or fixed deposits for this purpose.

Health Insurance Top-Up
Increase health insurance coverage if necessary.

Ensure sufficient coverage for medical emergencies.

Tracking and Adjusting Your Investments
Annual Portfolio Review
Monitor fund performance regularly.

Exit consistently underperforming funds to optimise returns.

Rebalancing
Adjust your equity and debt exposure annually.

Maintain the desired asset allocation for your goals.

Tax Implications and Planning
ELSS Tax Benefits
Continue with ELSS investments for Section 80C deductions.

Redeem matured ELSS funds and reinvest to extend benefits.

Long-Term and Short-Term Capital Gains
LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG is taxed at 20%. Plan withdrawals wisely to minimise taxes.

Estimating Rs. 2 Crore Corpus by 2035
Your Rs. 36,000 SIP is a significant step toward this goal.

Stay disciplined with investments to capitalise on compounding.

Use the additional Rs. 1 lakh annually to accelerate corpus growth.

Final Insights
Your portfolio needs minor adjustments for better risk management. Focus on diversification, balancing equity and debt, and tracking performance. Stay consistent with your SIPs, and your Rs. 2 crore target by 2035 is achievable.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8335 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2025
Money
Hello Sir - I am 52 years old and I have taken a break from my career. I currently have around 6 Crores worth of savings - 2 Crs in Equity and 4 Crs in FD. In addition, I have 2 residential houses and a farm plot all totalling around 4 Crores. No loan exposure. Anticipated expenses in future - daughter's higher studies in Europe after 6 years. Can you please advise me on the ideal portfolio construction.
Ans: You have taken smart and timely financial decisions so far.

Your present financial standing is strong and commendable.
No loans, good asset mix, and clarity on future needs.

Let’s now structure your investment portfolio with long-term clarity.
We will look at stability, growth, liquidity, and future goals.

Understanding Your Current Position
You have Rs. 6 crores in financial investments.

Rs. 2 crores in equity.

Rs. 4 crores in fixed deposits.

Additional Rs. 4 crores in real estate.

No loan liabilities.

Future key goal: Daughter’s higher studies in Europe in 6 years.

Your priority is to protect capital, generate growth, and stay liquid.
Your strategy should also aim at tax-efficiency and simplicity.

Key Investment Objectives
Preserve your existing capital base.

Provide for daughter’s overseas education.

Build a steady long-term wealth creation portfolio.

Maintain enough liquidity for emergencies.

Balance growth with lower downside risk.

Keep taxation under control with efficient planning.

Suggested Asset Allocation
Let us now assess an ideal mix.

20% in Fixed Income instruments.

60% in Actively Managed Mutual Funds.

10% in Emergency and Ultra Short-Term Funds.

10% in Gold and Sovereign Gold Bonds.

This structure is balanced, growth-oriented, and liquidity-ready.
You already have real estate, so no fresh allocation there.

Repositioning Your Existing Portfolio
You already hold Rs. 4 crores in FDs.
FDs are safe but returns barely beat inflation.

Consider breaking Rs. 2.5 crores from FDs.

Reinvest in better-performing asset classes.

You have Rs. 2 crores in equity.
We assume this is in direct equity or past mutual fund investments.

Shift from direct equity to actively managed mutual funds.

They offer professional fund management.

Diversification across sectors brings better long-term results.

Helps reduce stock-specific risks.

Please avoid index funds.

Index funds blindly follow the market.

They lack flexibility and active monitoring.

They fail to outperform in volatile or sideways markets.

Actively managed funds offer better risk-adjusted returns.

If you are currently investing in direct funds, be cautious.

Direct plans lack personalised advice.

Choosing wrong funds can affect returns heavily.

Regular funds through an MFD with CFP credential offer guidance.

Continuous monitoring and rebalancing are also provided.

In your case, a Certified Financial Planner can help align the portfolio
with your family’s unique life goals and risk capacity.

Detailed Portfolio Construction Plan
1. Fixed Income Allocation – 20%
Allocate Rs. 1.2 crores to debt mutual funds.

Choose high-quality short-term or corporate bond funds.

Keep the duration under 3 years for safety.

Avoid FDs for long term due to lower returns.

Debt funds are more tax-efficient after 3 years.

Be mindful of the new tax rule:
Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.

So, debt funds offer better post-tax returns only
if held with smart timing and product choice.

2. Actively Managed Mutual Funds – 60%
Allocate Rs. 3.6 crores gradually in equity mutual funds.

Choose a blend of multi-cap, flexi-cap, and large-mid cap funds.

Add some exposure to thematic or sectoral funds for growth.

SIP route is ideal for phased exposure.

This diversified equity allocation brings long-term wealth creation.
You also reduce timing risk with regular investments.

The mutual fund mix should be carefully curated
based on your risk profile and goal horizon.

Please ensure a Certified Financial Planner monitors this portfolio
and rebalances every 6 to 12 months.

3. Emergency and Contingency Allocation – 10%
Keep Rs. 60 lakhs in ultra-short term and liquid funds.

This covers 24+ months of monthly household expenses.

Provides quick access for health and personal emergencies.

Avoid using this for investments or lifestyle spends.

This fund should remain untouched except for real emergencies.

4. Gold and Sovereign Gold Bonds – 10%
Invest Rs. 60 lakhs in Sovereign Gold Bonds.

They offer 2.5% annual interest plus gold value appreciation.

Held for 8 years, they are tax-free on maturity.

Ideal for diversification and long-term safety.

Avoid physical gold due to purity and storage risks.
Avoid gold ETFs due to expense ratio and no added interest.

Special Planning for Daughter’s Higher Studies
This is a clear and high-value goal.
Timeline is 6 years, so you can take some calculated risk.

Start a separate mutual fund portfolio for this goal.

Allocate Rs. 1 crore gradually into hybrid and balanced funds.

Use 3-4 year SIP/STP mode to reduce risk.

In the fifth year, begin shifting to ultra-short-term debt funds.
This ensures capital safety before the actual outflow.

Avoid touching this portfolio for any other purpose.
Mark this as “Dedicated for Education Purpose” for clarity.

Real Estate Holding Review
You already own two houses and one farm plot.
This is already 40% of your net worth.

No need to invest further in real estate.

Maintain only one house for self-use.

Other properties can be retained for legacy or rental income.
Do not consider real estate for cash flow or liquidity.

Keep property papers and title clear.
Maintain up-to-date valuation documents and insurance.

Key Risk Management Steps
Take a Rs. 25 lakh family floater health insurance.

Add super top-up for extra cover.

Keep your term insurance active till age 60.

Ensure proper nominations in all investments.

Make a registered Will and keep it updated.

Joint holding in major investments ensures easy access.

Risk management avoids surprises.
This is as critical as choosing good investments.

Tax Management & Compliance
Use the new capital gains tax rule wisely.

Equity MF LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains on equity are taxed at 20%.

Debt MF gains are taxed as per your slab.

Plan redemption dates carefully to reduce tax outgo.

Keep a simple tracker for each investment and its tax impact.
A Chartered Accountant can assist you every March for tax planning.

Review and Monitoring
Review the portfolio every 6 months.

Check for underperformance in any scheme.

Rebalance based on market changes or life changes.

Avoid panic-based decisions during market falls.

Periodic reviews are key to financial health.
A Certified Financial Planner can help simplify this review.

Finally
Your current standing is financially strong.
You have saved well and kept liabilities away.

A structured investment plan will now build on this base.
You can now enjoy peace of mind with clarity and control.

Your daughter's education can be fully supported.
Your own future lifestyle can be secured.

This 360-degree solution focuses on growth, safety, and simplicity.

Keep investing with discipline.
Stay guided with professional help.
Keep all financial documents well organised.

Wishing you lifelong financial freedom and happiness.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |154 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on May 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2025
Relationship
Hi Shalini ji I was in a serious relationship for 6 years with a boy whom I met on the 1st day of my college. He was from a different caste. Hence when my parents got to know they disapproved of it very strictly so I knew it wasnt going to work that easily. After sometime they started asking to get married. It was an ultimate pressure while we both were preparing for some government exams. I went through utter confusion and I got stuck between trying to study and at the same time thinking about my future with him. I was pressurised by my family including my brother and parents to leave him. Meanwhile I decided to not to carry it forward because I couldn't leave my parents for whole life to be with him because it was either him or my family. I lost all the focus towards my studies due to this decision and also started talking to some other boy (he was from my own caste accidently) whom I met accidentally at an exam centre for comfort. I got a brief moments of happiness with him. I confide my pain in him. Suddenly something happened in my family ,between my parents. And my mother started acting like you can choose your own partner for life because somehow she lost trust on my father. She even was comfortable with my brother's marriage with the one whom he loves. Now I feel completely betrayed because for them I left love of my life and got into another relationship with the boy I met at an exam center ( which now I feel was a hasty decision as I felt alone and depressed). Now no one talks about my real love and what i think about it for the future. I am in a complete state of repentance. I feel like I betrayed him. Now when i think of getting back to him I hesitate a lot because I think that I took a wrong decision due to the pressure and under stress. The person I am with now, I feel is not what I wanted as a partner and I feel that he is not mentally supportive. I wnat to leave him as well. What should I do now to be happy?
Ans: 1. Happiness is in your hand
2. You sound like an adult, over 21 and someone who knows what is right and what is not - so take action
3. If you are not happy in your current relationship, come out of it.
4. If you wish to reconnect with your earlier partner do so, but keep in mind he may not be single and if he is he will not be how you knew him, as in he will come with his own experience of life.

all the best.

...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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