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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8626 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 19, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 15, 2024Hindi
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Hello everyone I am a 34 year old salaried person. I am having investment in following MFs- 1. SBI large cap 5000 pm since 2019 2. Nippon small cap 5000 pm since 2019 3. SBI small cap 2500 pm since 2019 4. Quant ELSS 50000 L/S 2021 5. Mirae asset ELSS 50000 L/S 2021 6. Quant Multi cap 200000 L/S 2023 7. Quant Mid cap 200000 L/s 2024 I am thinking about starting SIPs around 32500 pm. Can you recommend any good funds for long duration say 20 to 25 years

Ans: Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
First, let’s appreciate your disciplined approach towards mutual fund investments. You have a diversified portfolio across different fund categories, which is commendable.

You have investments in large cap, small cap, ELSS, multi-cap, and mid cap funds. This diversity can help balance risk and potential returns.

Benefits of Active Fund Management
Actively managed funds have a professional fund manager making decisions on your behalf. This can be advantageous as these experts strive to outperform the market and adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

Over a long duration, actively managed funds can potentially offer better returns compared to index funds. Index funds simply track a market index and may not react to market changes swiftly.

Assessing Your Investment Strategy
Investing regularly through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) is a great strategy. It helps in rupee cost averaging, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Given your long investment horizon of 20 to 25 years, SIPs can significantly benefit you. Over time, the compounding effect will enhance your returns.

Considering New Fund Selections
When choosing new funds for your SIPs, consider including funds that complement your existing portfolio. Avoid duplicating categories to maintain diversification.

Look for funds with a consistent performance record, good fund management team, and those that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Diversifying with Actively Managed Funds
Including a mix of mid-cap, multi-cap, and sectoral funds can be beneficial. They offer the potential for higher returns, albeit with higher risk. Balancing them with large-cap and hybrid funds can provide stability.

Importance of Regular Review
It’s crucial to review your portfolio regularly. Market conditions change, and so do fund performances. A periodic review helps in realigning your investments with your financial goals.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds simply replicate an index, which limits their potential to outperform the market. They lack the flexibility to react to market changes or economic conditions.

Actively managed funds, on the other hand, aim to outperform the index through strategic investments and asset allocation.

Benefits of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides professional guidance tailored to your financial situation. They can help you select the best funds, monitor performance, and make necessary adjustments.

Regular funds through a CFP can offer benefits like professional advice, timely rebalancing, and strategic planning. Direct funds lack this personalised service, which can be critical for achieving long-term financial goals.

Conclusion
Your current portfolio is well-diversified and aligns with long-term wealth creation. For your additional SIPs, consider funds that add value without overlapping existing investments.

Consulting a CFP can enhance your investment strategy, ensuring your financial goals are met effectively. Keep up the good work, and continue your disciplined approach towards investing.

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  |8626 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello sir , I am investing in below mutual funds through SIP. ICICI balanced Advantage 2K HDFC Balanced Advantage 3K Tata Midcap and Largecap 3K Nippon India Small Cap 2K Motilal Midcap 2K ICICI Prudential Commodities 5K Quant Small Cap 5K Is it good funds for long terms ( Horizon of 8/10 years) ? I want to invest more 10K in SIP then which fund should I chose ? Thanks
Ans: Your selection of mutual funds reflects a diversified approach across different categories, suitable for a long-term horizon of 8 to 10 years. However, let's evaluate each fund's characteristics and consider additional options for your increased investment.

ICICI Balanced Advantage and HDFC Balanced Advantage funds offer dynamic asset allocation, making them suitable for investors seeking a balanced approach to growth and risk management. Tata Midcap and Largecap Fund provides exposure to both mid-cap and large-cap stocks, potentially capturing growth opportunities across market segments.

Nippon India Small Cap and Motilal Oswal Midcap funds focus on smaller companies with growth potential, while ICICI Prudential Commodities Fund offers exposure to commodities, diversifying your portfolio further.

Quant Small Cap Fund targets small-cap stocks, enhancing growth potential but also increasing risk due to volatility associated with smaller companies.

Considering your desire to invest an additional 10k in SIP, you may want to consider adding a fund that complements your existing portfolio. A diversified large-cap fund or a flexi-cap fund could offer stability and growth potential. Alternatively, you could consider an international equity fund to diversify globally.

Before making any decisions, it's essential to assess your risk tolerance, investment objectives, and the suitability of the new fund within your overall portfolio. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance based on your financial situation and goals.

Overall, your current selection of funds appears suitable for long-term wealth creation, and adding a complementary fund can further enhance diversification and growth potential. Keep monitoring your investments regularly and stay informed about market trends to make informed decisions.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8626 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 2024

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Hello Ma'am , I am investing in below mutual funds through SIP. ICICI balanced Advantage 2K HDFC Balanced Advantage 3K Tata Midcap and Largecap 3K Nippon India Small Cap 2K Motilal Midcap 2K ICICI Prudential Commodities 5K Quant Small Cap 5K Is it good funds for long terms ( Horizon of 8/10 years) ? I want to invest more 10K in SIP then which fund should I chose ? Thanks
Ans: Your choice of mutual funds for SIP investments reflects a diversified portfolio covering various market segments. Considering your long-term horizon of 8-10 years, these funds have the potential to deliver favorable returns.

However, it's essential to periodically review your portfolio's performance and ensure it aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance. Additionally, consider factors like fund performance, fund manager track record, expense ratios, and market conditions when evaluating your investments.

For the additional 10K SIP investment, you may consider adding to existing funds or diversifying further based on your risk appetite and investment objectives. You might explore large-cap equity funds for stability and growth potential or thematic funds aligned with emerging trends if you're comfortable with higher risk.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your financial goals and help optimize your investment strategy for long-term wealth accumulation. They can also assist in monitoring your portfolio and making adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your objectives.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8626 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

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Hello sir , I am 40 years old , I have below investment. FD - 60 lacs. Mediclaim - 10 lacs NPS - 50K Per year PPF - 150K Per Year I am investing in below mutual funds through SIP. ( 22K) ICICI balanced Advantage 2K HDFC Balanced Advantage 3K Tata Midcap and Largecap 3K Nippon India Small Cap 2K Motilal Midcap 2K ICICI Prudential Commodities 5K Quant Small Cap 5K Is it good funds for long terms ( Horizon of 8/10 years) ? I want to invest more 10K in SIP then which fund should I chose ? Thanks
Ans: It's great to see your disciplined approach towards investments. Let's assess your portfolio and potential additions:

Your current SIP portfolio seems well-diversified across different market segments, which is beneficial for long-term growth.
Given your investment horizon of 8 to 10 years, these funds offer a mix of growth potential and stability.
Considering adding another 10K to your SIP, you may want to focus on funds that complement your existing portfolio.
Look for funds with a track record of consistent performance and a strong investment thesis aligned with your financial goals.
Consider funds that provide exposure to sectors or themes with potential for future growth.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to evaluate your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment strategy before making any changes.
Remember, investing is a long-term journey, and staying disciplined and diversified is key to achieving your financial objectives.
By carefully selecting additional funds and staying focused on your long-term goals, you can continue to build a robust investment portfolio that serves your needs effectively.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8626 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I am 32 years old and I started investing SIP 2 years ago and currently invested 5k in PGIM India Midcap and 5k in Mirae Asset and lump sum of 2.5L in Quant ELSS. I am planning to invest another 5k (total 15k pm) in SIP. Could you please suggest me any mutual fund to invest for long term ?
Ans: Financial Snapshot and Goals
Age: 32 years

Current SIP Investments: Rs 5,000 each in two mutual funds

Lump Sum Investment: Rs 2.5 lakhs in ELSS

Planned SIP Increase: Rs 5,000 (total Rs 15,000 monthly)

You have been investing for two years and are planning for the long term. Your current investments show a good mix of mid-cap and ELSS funds.

Current Investment Assessment
Diversification:

You have diversified your investments in mid-cap and ELSS funds. This is a good strategy.
Performance Monitoring:

Regularly check the performance of your investments. Ensure they align with your financial goals.
Risk Management:

Mid-cap funds can be volatile. Ensure you are comfortable with the risk level.
Additional Investment Considerations
Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Index funds passively track the market. They might not outperform during market downturns.

Actively managed funds have professional fund managers. They aim to outperform the market.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Direct funds may seem cheaper but lack professional advice.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides tailored advice and support.

Recommended Investment Strategy
Diversification:

Add a large-cap fund for stability. They tend to be less volatile than mid-cap funds.

Consider a balanced or hybrid fund. They offer a mix of equity and debt for balanced growth.

Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds have expert fund managers. They aim to beat market returns.

They provide better risk management and potential for higher returns.

Professional Guidance:

Investing through a CFP ensures your investments are well-managed.

Regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials offer ongoing support.

Actionable Steps
Increase SIP Contributions:

Start with an additional Rs 5,000 SIP in a large-cap or balanced fund.

Gradually increase your SIP contributions as your income grows.

Seek Professional Advice:

Consult a CFP to review your investment portfolio. They can help tailor your strategy to your goals.
Regular Monitoring:

Monitor your investments regularly. Adjust based on performance and market conditions.
Long-Term Financial Planning
Goal Setting:

Define your financial goals. This could include retirement, buying a house, or children's education.

Align your investment strategy with these goals.

Risk Management:

Ensure your portfolio has a good mix of high and low-risk investments.

Diversify across different asset classes to manage risk.

Review and Adjust:

Periodically review your investment portfolio. Make adjustments as needed to stay on track.
Final Insights
You have a solid foundation with your current investments. By increasing your SIP contributions and diversifying further, you can achieve long-term financial growth. Seeking professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner will help optimize your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |5596 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Career
What is better choice.. Rvce cse or vit cse cat 2.. I got 45k rank jee mains.. Domicile Madhya Pradesh.. Also trying to get into bits Pilani by next attempt ( hope).. Jee main college or rvce etc? I'm confused.. I'm from north and scared because of south environment currently
Ans: Aditya, prefer RVCE-CSE over VIT-CSE-C2 (if fee is affordable to either). Based on your JEE Rank, Scoring above 290 marks in BITS will be challenging. As far as possibility of getting admission into NITs/IIITs/GFTIs & fee is a concern for your parents, Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main/Advanced Results – A Step-by-Step Guide

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this guide helps! All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |5596 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Career
Jee mains 98.5 sir jee advance 85 marks any chance to IIT sir .my caste certificate ews sir
Ans: Jyothi, Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main/Advanced Results – A Step-by-Step Guide

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this guide helps! All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |5596 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 30, 2025
Career
My son got 89 percentile in jee mains obc ncl category . Which college and branch can he get through josaa?
Ans: Here is, How to Predict Your Son's Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main/Advanced Results – A Step-by-Step Guide

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this guide helps! All the BEST for your Son's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |5596 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 30, 2025
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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