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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 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
sahibjyot Question by sahibjyot on May 08, 2024Hindi
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Hello I am currently investing of around 13500 in mutual fund through sips 2500 in quant small cap, 2300 in Nippon India small cap , 1500 in kotak fof, 4200 in ICICI all seasons bond fund and 3000 in parag Parikh flexi too. My age is 24 i started last year in April and have accumulated a corpus of 180000, am I on the right path ?

Ans: Assessment of Your Investment Portfolio at 24

Congratulations on kickstarting your investment journey at such a young age! It's impressive that you've already built up a corpus of ?180,000 within just over a year. Let's delve into an evaluation of your current investment portfolio to ensure you're on the right path.

Diversification Evaluation

Diversification is like having a variety of dishes at a buffet, ensuring you have options even if one dish doesn't taste as good. Your portfolio seems to encompass a mix of equity and debt funds, which is a good start towards diversification.

Starting your investment journey at 24 reflects your proactive approach towards securing your financial future. Kudos to your financial prudence at such a young age!

It's commendable that you're seeking guidance to ensure your investments align with your long-term financial goals. It's perfectly normal to have doubts, especially when you're relatively new to investing.

Risk Assessment

At 24, you have time on your side, which means you can afford to take on more risk for potentially higher returns. Small-cap funds like Quant Small Cap and Nippon India Small Cap tend to be more volatile but offer the potential for significant growth over the long term.

Evaluation: While these funds can be rewarding, they also come with higher volatility and risk. It's crucial to ensure that your risk appetite aligns with the volatility of these investments.

Asset Allocation

Asset allocation is like baking a cake - you need the right ingredients in the right proportions for the perfect outcome. Your allocation seems skewed towards equity with only one debt fund, ICICI All Seasons Bond Fund.

Assessment: Since you're young, a higher allocation to equity is generally recommended for wealth accumulation over the long term. However, it's essential to periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Regular Monitoring

Just like watering a plant, regular monitoring and adjustments are necessary for your investment portfolio to thrive. Keep track of market trends, fund performance, and your financial goals to make informed decisions.

Evaluation: As you progress in your career and your financial goals evolve, consider reviewing and adjusting your investment strategy accordingly. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable insights and ensure your investments stay aligned with your objectives.

Final Verdict

Overall, you've made a commendable start to your investment journey. However, to ensure you're on the right path, consider the following:

Regularly assess your risk tolerance and adjust your portfolio accordingly.
Keep an eye on the performance of your funds and make changes if necessary.
Continuously educate yourself about investing to make informed decisions.
Consider seeking professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized guidance.
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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 28, 2023Hindi
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Hi Samraat, i am looking to build a retirement corpus of around 5 cr. and have started investing from the last few months in mutual funds. I am doing a monthly SIP of about 80k in the below mutual funds: 1. Hdfc flexi cap - 15k 2. Parag Parekh flexi cap - 15 k 3. Nippon india large cap fund - 10k 4. Nippon india growth fund - 10k 5. SBI magnum mid cap fund - 5k 6. Hdfc micap oppurtunities fund - 5k 7. Nippon india small cap fund - 20k I have a moderate to high risk appetite with an investment horizon of about 15 yrs. Please advise if my advise if my investments are in the correct funds or do i need to update my portfolio.
Ans: Hi Samraat,

You've taken a commendable step towards building a retirement corpus by investing in mutual funds through SIPs. Your approach shows foresight and discipline, both crucial for long-term financial success.

Assessing Your Current Portfolio
Your portfolio consists of a mix of large cap, mid cap, and small cap funds. This diversification can potentially offer a balance between risk and return, aligning with your moderate to high risk appetite.

Flexi Cap Funds: Investing Rs 30,000 in flexi cap funds offers flexibility. These funds can switch between large, mid, and small cap stocks. This adaptability can be advantageous, especially in volatile markets.

Large Cap Funds: Allocating Rs 10,000 to a large cap fund adds stability to your portfolio. Large cap funds typically invest in well-established companies. This can provide steady growth and less volatility compared to mid or small cap funds.

Mid Cap Funds: Investing Rs 10,000 in mid cap funds can enhance growth potential. Mid cap companies often have significant growth opportunities. However, they come with higher risk compared to large cap companies.

Small Cap Funds: Allocating Rs 20,000 to small cap funds introduces higher risk but also higher potential returns. Small cap funds invest in smaller companies, which can grow rapidly. However, they are also more volatile.

Advantages of Your Current Strategy
Diversification: Your portfolio is well-diversified across different market capitalizations. This diversification can help mitigate risks and capture growth opportunities across various segments.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Investing Rs 80,000 monthly through SIPs is a smart move. SIPs help in averaging out the cost of investment and instilling financial discipline.

Considerations for Improvement
While your portfolio is generally well-structured, there are areas for potential enhancement.

Overlapping Holdings: Multiple funds in your portfolio may have overlapping holdings. This can lead to concentration risk, reducing the benefits of diversification. Reviewing the specific holdings of each fund can help identify and reduce overlaps.

Performance Monitoring: Regularly monitor the performance of your funds. Market conditions and fund performance can change. Periodic reviews ensure your investments remain aligned with your goals.

Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed funds can offer potential advantages over index funds. These funds are managed by professional fund managers who actively select stocks. This can potentially lead to better returns, especially in volatile markets.

Investment Horizon: With a 15-year horizon, you have ample time to ride out market fluctuations. This long-term perspective is beneficial for equity investments. However, ensure your risk tolerance remains consistent over time.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Lack of Guidance: Direct funds lack the guidance provided by mutual fund distributors (MFDs) and certified financial planners (CFPs). This guidance can be crucial for making informed investment decisions.

Time and Effort: Managing direct funds requires significant time and effort. Regular monitoring and adjustments are needed to ensure optimal performance.

Professional Expertise: Investing through an MFD with CFP credentials offers access to professional expertise. This can help in selecting the right funds, optimizing returns, and managing risks effectively.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Expert Guidance: Investing through a CFP provides expert guidance. This can help you make informed decisions and stay on track to achieve your retirement goals.

Convenience: Regular funds managed by professionals offer convenience. You benefit from their expertise without having to invest time and effort in managing your investments.

Optimized Portfolio: A CFP can help create and maintain an optimized portfolio. This ensures your investments remain aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Building a Robust Retirement Corpus
Consistent Investing: Continue your SIPs consistently. Regular investments can help build a substantial corpus over time.

Review and Adjust: Periodically review and adjust your portfolio. This ensures it remains aligned with your financial goals and market conditions.

Professional Advice: Consider seeking advice from a CFP. Professional guidance can help optimize your portfolio and enhance your chances of achieving your retirement goals.

Conclusion
You've made a strong start towards building your retirement corpus. With consistent investments, regular reviews, and professional guidance, you can enhance your portfolio and achieve your retirement goals. Stay focused, disciplined, and proactive in managing your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 28, 2023Hindi
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Hi Dev, i am looking to build a retirement corpus of around 10 cr. and have started investing from the last few months in mutual funds. My age is 41 years and looking to retire by 60. I am doing a monthly SIP of about 80k in the below mutual funds and aim to step up at 10% every year: 1. Hdfc flexi cap - 15k 2. Parag Parekh flexi cap - 15k. 3. Nippon india large cap fund - 10k 4. Nippon india growth fund - 10k 5. SBI magnum mid cap fund - 5k 6. Hdfc micap oppurtunities fund - 5k 7. Nippon india small cap fund - 20k I have a moderate to high risk appetite with an investment horizon of about 20 yrs. Please advise if my investments are in the correct funds or if any changes are needed. Thanks
Ans: Constructing a Robust Mutual Fund Portfolio for Retirement Planning

Assessment of Current Portfolio:

Your investment strategy reflects a proactive approach towards building a substantial retirement corpus. Diversifying across different mutual fund categories is a prudent move considering your moderate to high risk appetite.

Evaluation of Fund Selection:

Flexi Cap Funds:

HDFC Flexi Cap and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap are suitable choices offering flexibility to invest across market capitalizations.
These funds capitalize on growth opportunities across sectors, enhancing portfolio diversification.
Large Cap Funds:

Nippon India Large Cap Fund provides exposure to well-established companies with stable growth prospects.
It adds stability to your portfolio while capturing potential gains from large-cap stocks.
Growth Funds:

Nippon India Growth Fund focuses on companies with strong growth potential across sectors and market capitalizations.
It complements your investment strategy by targeting capital appreciation over the long term.
Mid and Small Cap Funds:

SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund, HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, and Nippon India Small Cap Fund offer exposure to mid and small-cap segments.
These funds have the potential to deliver higher returns but come with higher volatility, suitable for your risk appetite and long investment horizon.
Assessing Investment Strategy:

SIP Amount and Step-up Approach:

Your current SIP allocation of Rs. 80,000 is substantial and aligns well with your goal of building a retirement corpus of Rs. 10 crore.
Implementing a step-up approach at 10% annually enhances your savings rate, accelerating wealth accumulation over time.
Investment Horizon and Risk Appetite:

With a moderate to high risk appetite and a 20-year investment horizon, your portfolio is appropriately positioned to withstand market volatility and capitalize on long-term growth opportunities.
Regular monitoring and periodic rebalancing will ensure alignment with your changing financial goals and risk tolerance.
Recommendations for Portfolio Optimization:

Review and Rebalance:

Periodically review your portfolio's performance and rebalance asset allocation based on changing market conditions and investment objectives.
Consider increasing exposure to sectors or funds showing promising growth prospects while reducing allocation to underperforming segments.
Continued Diversification:

Explore opportunities to further diversify your portfolio by adding exposure to thematic funds or sectors showing strong growth potential.
Maintain a balanced mix of equity funds across market capitalizations to mitigate concentration risk.
Conclusion:

Your investment strategy demonstrates a proactive approach towards achieving your retirement goal. By diversifying across mutual fund categories and implementing a systematic investment plan with a step-up approach, you are well-positioned to accumulate a substantial corpus over the next two decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello, I'm 37 years old and I have started investing into mutual funds since last year. My current portfolio is at 1.62 lacs. My Target is 1.5 CR in 10 years. I'm investing 10k in quant Elss, 5k Tata small cap, my wife is investing 10k in Quant flexi cap. And I want to invest 60k per month for the next 3 years in SBI contra 20k, PPAFS flexi cap 20k and ICICI multi asset 20k. Please advise if I'm going in the right direction. Noel
Ans: Noel, it's fantastic to see your commitment to building wealth through mutual funds. Your diversified portfolio showcases a strategic approach to investing across different market segments.

By investing in ELSS, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds, you're harnessing the potential for growth across various sectors and market capitalizations. These funds offer opportunities for capital appreciation over the long term, aligning well with your goal of reaching 1.5 crores in 10 years.

Your plan to increase investments to 60k per month for the next 3 years further demonstrates your dedication to achieving your financial objectives. SBI Contra, PPAFS Flexi Cap, and ICICI Multi Asset are reputable funds known for their performance and diversification benefits, providing a solid foundation for your portfolio expansion.

However, it's essential to periodically review your investments, monitor performance, and reassess your financial goals to ensure you remain on track. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to fine-tune your strategy and make any necessary adjustments along the way.

With discipline, patience, and strategic planning, you're well-positioned to progress towards your target of 1.5 crores in the next decade. Keep up the excellent work, and stay focused on your long-term financial success.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 28 year old from mumbai. I have invested around 8 lakhs into 4 mutual fund uti nifty next 50 1.45 lakh, motilal ostwal midcap fund 3.17 lakhs, parag parekh 2 lakhs and axis small cap 1.2 lakhs , i have invested ppf around 1 lakhs. I have a salary of rs 60k and i invest around 40k monthy sip am i in a right track?
Ans: – At 28, you are far ahead of many peers.
– Rs.8 lakh invested already shows responsibility.
– Rs.40,000 SIP from Rs.60,000 salary is excellent discipline.
– PPF addition adds stability to long-term savings.
– Your journey so far is inspiring.

» Evaluating your mutual fund mix
– You have exposure to next 50, mid-cap, flexi-cap, and small-cap.
– Mid-cap and small-cap funds carry higher volatility.
– Over long-term they may deliver high returns.
– But too much allocation here increases risk.
– Flexi-cap balances growth and stability better.
– Your mix lacks large-cap or multi-cap base.

» Disadvantages of index-based funds
– Nifty Next 50 fund is index-based.
– Index funds cannot avoid poor companies in the index.
– They fall fully during market corrections.
– No flexibility to move into better sectors.
– Actively managed funds bring sharper strategies.
– Professional managers can reduce risk in downturns.

» Benefits of actively managed funds
– Active funds give scope for higher alpha.
– Managers study companies, sectors, and economy carefully.
– They can reduce weight in risky sectors.
– Flexibility helps in long-term compounding.
– Actively managed portfolio is safer for young investors.
– Better risk-adjusted growth than index strategies.

» Role of PPF in your portfolio
– PPF gives stable, tax-free returns.
– It works as safe component of your wealth.
– Liquidity is limited due to long lock-in.
– Good to keep for retirement purposes.
– Avoid putting too much here due to low returns.
– Equity still should remain your main wealth creator.

» Importance of SIP discipline
– Rs.40,000 SIP monthly is powerful at your age.
– Consistency for 15–20 years builds massive wealth.
– Market ups and downs don’t matter with SIP.
– Rupee cost averaging reduces volatility impact.
– SIP growth can match your rising income.
– Always try to increase SIP with salary hikes.

» Risk management at this stage
– You are young, so equity focus is fine.
– But balance between large, mid, and small-cap is needed.
– Overexposure to small and mid-cap increases risk.
– Consider rebalancing into diversified equity funds.
– Aim for mix of growth and safety.
– Long-term wealth is about stability, not chasing extremes.

» Insurance and protection aspects
– You didn’t mention insurance cover.
– Term insurance is essential for dependents’ safety.
– Health insurance protects wealth from medical costs.
– Insurance ensures your investments stay untouched.
– Secure base before building bigger wealth.
– Don’t mix insurance with investments.

» Emergency fund importance
– You should maintain 6–12 months’ expenses in liquid form.
– Emergency fund avoids panic during crisis.
– Keep it in savings, FD, or liquid fund.
– Don’t rely only on mutual funds for emergencies.
– Easy access fund gives peace of mind.
– Build it gradually if not done already.

» Taxation aspects of mutual fund growth
– Equity mutual fund redemptions face new tax rules.
– LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains taxed as per your income slab.
– Tax planning while redeeming improves net returns.
– CFP guidance ensures maximum tax efficiency.

» Importance of professional guidance
– Choosing funds is not just about returns.
– Asset allocation and review matter equally.
– Certified Financial Planner ensures right diversification.
– Mistakes in direct funds may harm wealth creation.
– Regular funds through CFP offer support and monitoring.
– This adds discipline and reduces emotional decisions.

» Goal-based investing
– You must link investments to goals clearly.
– Retirement, home, marriage, travel all need planning.
– Separate investments for each goal give clarity.
– Without goals, investments may lack direction.
– CFP can map funds to each goal.
– This makes your journey structured and stress-free.

» Future wealth potential
– At 28, you have 30+ years ahead.
– With Rs.40,000 SIP, corpus grows exponentially.
– Increasing SIP yearly multiplies wealth further.
– Equity compounding is very powerful with time.
– By mid-40s, financial independence is possible.
– Discipline and patience are your biggest assets.

» Emotional aspects of investing
– Markets will test your patience often.
– Don’t panic in corrections or crashes.
– Wealth is built by staying invested.
– Short-term fear should not break discipline.
– Review yearly, not daily or monthly.
– Long-term vision is your strength.

» Building financial independence
– You are already saving more than half your income.
– This accelerates your financial freedom.
– With consistent growth, retirement could be early.
– Extra savings give more life choices.
– Slowing down career becomes easier with strong corpus.
– Investments today buy you tomorrow’s freedom.

» Legacy planning for the future
– Though young, think about asset nominations.
– Keep family informed about investments.
– Later, prepare a Will for clarity.
– Legacy planning ensures smooth transfer.
– Wealth continuity matters for dependents.
– Early habits make future easier.

» Finally
– At 28, you are on an excellent track.
– Rs.8 lakh corpus plus Rs.40,000 SIP is powerful.
– Avoid index funds, prefer actively managed diversified funds.
– Reduce exposure to sectoral and small-cap risks.
– Keep SIP discipline and step up yearly.
– Secure yourself with insurance and emergency fund.
– Align investments to goals with CFP guidance.
– With patience, your future wealth is assured.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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