Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8185 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 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
Prajwal Question by Prajwal on May 22, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello. I need your financial advise here. Can we maintain a Mutual Fund for long-term? Suppose if I have these funds: Nippon India Large Cap fund (large cap), PGIM India Mid Cap fund, Quant Small cap fund. Can I decide to maintain this for long-term (10-15 years)? Or should we regularly monitor these funds and opt for other funds where we get better returns than these. I am looking for a long-term investment let it be retirement plan or kid's education. All I am looking for is long-term. Could you pls suggest what to do in this scenario? How can I manage this?

Ans: Long-Term Investment in Mutual Funds: A Strategic Approach
Understanding Your Current Investments
You have chosen three mutual funds for your long-term investment goals:

Nippon India Large Cap Fund (large cap)
PGIM India Mid Cap Fund
Quant Small Cap Fund
These funds cover large, mid, and small-cap categories, providing a diversified portfolio.

Your dedication to long-term investment planning is commendable. Balancing large, mid, and small-cap funds shows a strategic approach to diversification.

Benefits of Long-Term Mutual Fund Investment
Compounding Effect
Investing in mutual funds for the long-term allows you to benefit from the power of compounding. Over time, the returns on your investments can generate their own returns, significantly growing your wealth.

Reduced Market Volatility
Long-term investments help mitigate the impact of short-term market volatility. Staying invested through market ups and downs can lead to more stable and substantial growth.

Monitoring and Managing Your Investments
Importance of Regular Monitoring
While long-term investments are beneficial, regular monitoring is essential. Market conditions and fund performance can change, requiring adjustments to your portfolio.

Evaluating Fund Performance
Regularly review the performance of your mutual funds. Compare their returns with benchmark indices and peer funds. Consistent underperformance might indicate the need for a change.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide professional guidance. They can help you evaluate fund performance, recommend adjustments, and ensure your investments align with your goals.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds track a specific market index and aim to replicate its performance. They lack the flexibility to adapt to market changes, potentially leading to lower returns compared to actively managed funds.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, like those you have chosen, are overseen by professional fund managers. They can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, aiming for higher returns and better risk management.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds save on commission fees but lack the personalized guidance of a professional. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials ensures you receive expert advice and strategic insights.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Regular funds offer the expertise of professional advisors who can help you make informed decisions, optimize your portfolio, and achieve your long-term investment goals.

Long-Term Investment Goals
Retirement Planning
Investing in a mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds can help build a substantial corpus for retirement. Regular contributions and long-term growth can ensure financial security in your retirement years.

Kid's Education
Long-term investments are ideal for funding your child's education. Starting early and staying invested can generate the necessary funds to cover higher education expenses, even for overseas studies.

Strategic Portfolio Management
Asset Allocation
Maintain a balanced asset allocation across large, mid, and small-cap funds. This diversification helps manage risk and optimize returns.

Regular Rebalancing
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain your desired asset allocation. This involves selling overperforming assets and buying underperforming ones, ensuring your portfolio stays aligned with your goals.

Managing Market Uncertainties
Staying Invested
Market fluctuations are inevitable. Staying invested through market cycles can yield better long-term returns. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Continue investing through SIPs. SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, averaging out the cost of investments and reducing the impact of market volatility.

Building a Contingency Fund
Importance of Liquidity
Ensure you have an adequate contingency fund. This fund provides liquidity for emergencies, reducing the need to withdraw from your long-term investments.

Planning for Future Financial Goals
Setting Clear Goals
Define your financial goals clearly. Whether it's retirement, your child's education, or other long-term objectives, having specific targets helps create a focused investment strategy.

Professional Guidance
Seek regular advice from a Certified Financial Planner. They can help you set realistic goals, develop a strategic investment plan, and adjust your portfolio as needed.

Conclusion
Maintaining a long-term mutual fund portfolio is a sound strategy for achieving financial goals. Regular monitoring, professional guidance, and a balanced approach can help you optimize returns and manage risks. Your commitment to securing your financial future is commendable, and with the right strategy, you can achieve your retirement and education goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - May 23, 2024 | Answered on May 23, 2024
Listen
Thank you very much for your professional assistance here. This has a detailed explanation of every element needed for investment. One question - Can we use these online SIP/Lumpsum calculators to get to know our goal-based investment amount? For example, I tried the SIP calculator by INDMoney (online) where I entered the following details under "I know my goal amount" under SIP as: Goal amount: 3,00,00,000 Time period: 15 years Growth rate: 12% (approx) And, it shows the monthly required amount to be 63k/month to reach this goal. I am not sure if this is the correct way to calculate the monthly investments required for our goals. Could you provide your guidance here.
Ans: Using online SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) or Lumpsum calculators can be a convenient way to get a rough estimate of the monthly investment required to reach your financial goals. However, these calculators come with several limitations:

Limitations of Free Online Calculators:
Simplistic Assumptions: Most online calculators use a fixed rate of return assumption (e.g., 12% in your case), which might not reflect market volatility and actual performance over time.
Lack of Personalization: These tools don't account for your individual financial situation, risk tolerance, inflation rates, tax implications, and other factors that could impact your investment strategy.
No Consideration for Market Dynamics: Real-world investments are subject to market risks and fluctuations. A steady growth rate assumption can be overly optimistic or pessimistic depending on market conditions.
Inflation Impact: Many calculators do not properly factor in inflation, which can erode the purchasing power of your goal amount over time.
Periodic Review and Adjustment: Financial goals and market conditions change. Free calculators do not provide a mechanism for periodic review and adjustment of your investment plan.
Seeking Professional Guidance:
To develop a more accurate and personalized investment strategy, it is highly recommended to consult with a certified financial planner (CFP). A CFP can:

Conduct a Comprehensive Financial Assessment: Understand your current financial situation, future goals, and risk tolerance.
Develop a Tailored Plan: Create a customized investment plan that takes into account various factors like inflation, market conditions, tax implications, and your personal financial goals.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments: Provide continuous monitoring of your investments and make adjustments as necessary based on changes in your life circumstances and market conditions.
Holistic Advice: Offer advice on a wide range of financial matters beyond just investment, including retirement planning, estate planning, and insurance needs.
Practical Steps:
Use Calculators as a Starting Point: Use online calculators to get a basic idea of the investment required.
Consult a Financial Planner: Schedule a meeting with a CFP to get a comprehensive and personalized financial plan.
Review Regularly: Periodically review your investment plan with your financial planner to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and market conditions.
By taking these steps, you'll be better equipped to achieve your financial goals with a well-rounded and realistic investment strategy.
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8185 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Sir I am a regular reader of rediffguru, pls check my Mutual funds for long term 7-10 year investing from last 3 years Parag parikh flexi cap-6k/month SBI Contra fund 6k/month SBI focus fund 2500/month Axis blue chip 5000/month SBI nifty50 index fund 5000/month PPF 8000/month Please advise for long term and I can add another 15k per month to the mutual fund, where I should add 15k per month Thank you
Ans: It's great to see your commitment to long-term investing. Your current portfolio showcases a mix of flexi-cap, contra, focused, and index funds, which is a good start. Given your 7-10 year horizon, it's essential to maintain a balance between growth and stability.

Considering your existing investments, adding 15k per month, you could diversify further. Given the current market scenario, you might consider adding to sectors or fund types that complement your existing holdings. For instance, you might look into international funds for geographical diversification, or debt funds for stability.

It's also worth considering your risk tolerance and investment goals when deciding where to allocate the additional funds. If you're comfortable with a bit more risk for potentially higher returns, you could lean towards mid or small-cap funds. Conversely, if you prefer stability, large-cap or balanced funds might be more suitable.

Remember, diversification is key to managing risk, so try not to put all your eggs in one basket. It might be beneficial to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor a strategy that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Keep up the good work, and happy investing!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8185 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 04, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
i need guidance. i am 63 yrs with housing loan of 70lakh. Only asset is a house with market value 2 crore. i have 2 daughters to be married. I need to retire and start my practice as doctor. Guie me to a investment to live with 30000 monthly and to buy a house 0f 8 lakhs after disposing the property/ Presently earning 1.5L per month. pl suggest. shud i sell the property
Ans: Your situation requires a well-thought-out financial strategy. You have a housing loan of Rs 70 lakh, a house worth Rs 2 crore, and a need for Rs 30,000 per month after retirement. Additionally, you plan to buy a house worth Rs 8 lakh and have two daughters to be married. Below is a structured approach to help you achieve financial stability.

Selling the Property – A Necessary Step?
Selling your house is a practical option. Your outstanding loan is Rs 70 lakh, and the house is worth Rs 2 crore.

After repaying the loan, you will have Rs 1.3 crore. This can be used for investments and future expenses.

If you continue living in this house, EMIs will be a burden. Selling will free you from debt and give you financial stability.

Consider renting a home instead of buying again. This will keep more money available for investments.

Buying a House for Rs 8 Lakh
If you want to buy a smaller house for Rs 8 lakh, use only a small portion of your funds.

Avoid taking another loan. Pay for the house in full from the sale proceeds.

Ensure the house is in a location with good facilities, medical access, and safety.

Creating an Investment Plan for Rs 1.3 Crore
After selling your house and clearing the loan, you will need an investment plan.

Keep Rs 10-15 lakh in a bank FD or liquid mutual funds. This will act as an emergency fund.

Invest Rs 30-40 lakh in debt mutual funds. These provide stability and liquidity.

Invest Rs 50 lakh in equity mutual funds for long-term wealth growth. Use regular plans with a Certified Financial Planner.

Keep Rs 10-15 lakh in a balanced fund for moderate returns with lower risk.

Generating Rs 30,000 Monthly Income
Debt mutual funds can provide a stable withdrawal option. Withdraw systematically for monthly expenses.

Use a mix of dividend and growth options. This ensures you get both regular income and capital appreciation.

Equity funds will provide growth, helping you sustain your money for 20-25 years.

Managing Daughters’ Marriage Expenses
If you need Rs 20-30 lakh for each daughter’s wedding, set aside Rs 40-60 lakh from the sale proceeds.

Invest this amount in a mix of debt and equity funds. This will help you reach your goal in a few years.

Avoid withdrawing from your retirement corpus for wedding expenses.

Starting Your Medical Practice
If you plan to start a medical practice, keep Rs 10-20 lakh for setting it up.

Avoid heavy investments in infrastructure initially. Work from an existing clinic or shared space.

Ensure you have medical indemnity insurance to protect yourself.

Final Insights
Selling your house will give you financial freedom and remove loan pressure.

Invest wisely to generate a steady monthly income and secure your daughters' futures.

Do not invest in real estate again. Keep your funds liquid and flexible.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to review your investments regularly.

Focus on financial security rather than high-risk investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8185 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Dear Sir, I am 47 years old IT professional. My current salary is 1.5 lakhs per month. I have a daughter who just completed her 10th board exam. My corpus is around 1.6Cr FD&PPF; 30 lakhs in MF & stocks; 50 lakhs in EPF. I have no debt and living in my own house. Please suggest if I can plan for retirement
Ans: Your financial position is strong, and planning for retirement at 47 is a smart decision. Below is a detailed 360-degree approach to assess whether you can retire comfortably and how to ensure financial security.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Income: Rs 1.5 lakh per month.

Corpus:

Rs 1.6 crore in Fixed Deposits (FD) and Public Provident Fund (PPF).

Rs 30 lakh in mutual funds and stocks.

Rs 50 lakh in Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).

Liabilities: No debts.

Assets: Own house, ensuring no rent or EMI burden.

Family Responsibility:

Daughter has just completed the 10th board exam.

Higher education expenses need to be planned.

Key Considerations Before Retirement
Expected Retirement Age

If you plan to retire early (before 55), corpus sustainability needs careful assessment.

If you work till 60, it will provide a larger financial cushion.

Post-Retirement Expenses

Living expenses, healthcare, travel, and lifestyle costs must be considered.

Inflation will increase future expenses.

Daughter’s Education

Higher education costs are significant.

Corpus should cover both education and retirement without compromise.

Medical Expenses

Health costs increase with age.

A high health insurance cover is essential.

Wealth Growth vs. Safety

A mix of equity and debt investments ensures growth while preserving capital.

Excessive reliance on FDs and PPF may limit long-term wealth accumulation.

Assessing If You Can Retire Comfortably
Current Corpus Size

Rs 2.4 crore (excluding house) is a strong starting point.

But, inflation will reduce its real value over time.

Expected Corpus Growth

Investments in mutual funds and stocks should continue to grow.

PPF and EPF offer stable but lower returns.

Withdrawals Post-Retirement

Sustainable withdrawals should not deplete the corpus too soon.

A balanced investment strategy is required.

Gaps in Planning

Heavy reliance on FDs and PPF may not be ideal.

More equity exposure can ensure inflation-beating returns.

Steps to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan
1. Optimising Investment Strategy
Continue investing in mutual funds with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.

Reduce dependence on FDs for long-term needs.

Equity mutual funds help counter inflation and grow wealth.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns without active management.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offer expert monitoring.

Diversify investments between equity, debt, and fixed-income products.

2. Planning for Daughter’s Education
Higher education costs can be Rs 30-50 lakh in the next 5-7 years.

Separate this goal from your retirement plan.

Increase equity investment to build an education corpus.

Avoid withdrawing from retirement savings for education.

3. Building a Healthcare Safety Net
Health insurance should cover at least Rs 30-50 lakh.

Consider super top-up plans for additional coverage.

Maintain an emergency medical fund to cover non-insured expenses.

Review insurance policies periodically.

4. Creating a Sustainable Withdrawal Plan
Avoid withdrawing a large portion of the corpus in early retirement years.

Keep at least 5 years of expenses in liquid assets.

Equity exposure should reduce gradually as retirement progresses.

Use dividends and interest income before selling assets.

Final Insights
Retirement is possible, but adjustments are needed for long-term security.

Continue investing aggressively for the next few years.

Ensure daughter's education is planned separately.

Review investments and insurance regularly.

Keep flexibility in withdrawal strategy post-retirement.

A structured plan will ensure a financially secure and comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8185 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
My employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions, but I don't fully understand how it works. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of joining such a scheme, and how does it affect my take-home pay and long-term financial planning?
Ans: A salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions allows you to give up a portion of your salary in exchange for increased employer contributions to your pension. It has tax and National Insurance (NI) advantages but also some potential drawbacks.

How Salary Sacrifice for Pension Works
You agree to reduce your gross salary by a chosen amount.

Your employer contributes this amount directly to your pension.

Since your taxable salary is lower, you pay less income tax and NI.

Your employer also saves on NI and may pass on some or all of this saving to your pension.

Advantages
1. Tax and NI Savings
You don’t pay income tax or NI on the sacrificed amount.

Your employer saves on NI (currently 13.8%) and may increase your pension with these savings.

2. Higher Pension Contributions
Since more money goes into your pension, your retirement corpus grows faster.

Compounding over time enhances long-term wealth.

3. Increased Take-Home Pay
Although you sacrifice part of your salary, the NI savings may offset some of the reduction.

Depending on employer policies, your net pay may not drop significantly.

4. Potential Employer Matching
Some employers pass their NI savings into your pension, increasing your total contributions.

Disadvantages
1. Reduced Gross Salary
A lower salary means reduced future pay rises if they are percentage-based.

Life cover, sick pay, and redundancy pay linked to salary may be affected.

2. Lower Borrowing Capacity
Mortgage applications consider salary; a lower reported income might reduce borrowing potential.

3. Impact on State Benefits
If salary drops below certain thresholds, statutory benefits like maternity pay and state pension could be affected.

4. Restricted Access to Pension
The extra pension savings cannot be accessed before retirement (except under specific conditions).

Effect on Take-Home Pay
Your net pay will be slightly lower, but less than the actual amount sacrificed.

The tax and NI savings cushion the impact.

If your employer adds their NI savings, your total retirement savings increase.

Effect on Long-Term Financial Planning
Your pension fund grows faster, improving retirement security.

Short-term disposable income is slightly reduced, so budget planning is important.

Consider how the reduced salary affects other financial goals like buying a house or saving for education.

Should You Opt for It?
If employer NI savings are passed to your pension, it’s highly beneficial.

If you are close to lower tax bands or state benefit thresholds, assess the impact.

If you plan to apply for a mortgage, check how it affects your eligibility.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help assess your personal situation before making a decision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8185 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi Sir , Greetings of the day!! hope you are doing well !! I want to do a savings of 50 lacs in as much less time span as possible because I want to buy a property in Gurgaon. My monthly salary is 1 lac 11k and I am currently investing 10k in mutual fund monthly and 50k in nps yearly. Can you please guide me how can I save 50 lacs and in how much time ?
Ans: Your goal of saving Rs 50 lakh for a property in Gurgaon is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy. Below is a structured approach to help you reach your target in the shortest possible time.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Your monthly salary is Rs 1.11 lakh.

You invest Rs 10,000 per month in mutual funds.

Your annual NPS contribution is Rs 50,000.

You haven't mentioned any liabilities or existing savings. If you have any ongoing EMIs or debts, they should be factored in.

Key Considerations for Achieving Rs 50 Lakh Target
The speed of reaching Rs 50 lakh depends on savings rate and returns.

High savings rate is the most reliable way to accumulate wealth.

Investment returns are uncertain and depend on market conditions.

A balanced approach is necessary to ensure stability and growth.

Increasing Your Savings Rate
Currently, you are investing Rs 10,000 per month.

If you can increase it to Rs 50,000 per month, you will reach Rs 50 lakh faster.

Cutting discretionary expenses will free up more money for investments.

Consider reducing unnecessary spending on dining out, luxury items, and vacations.

Redirect bonuses, incentives, or salary hikes towards savings.

Choosing the Right Investment Instruments
Mutual Funds for Growth
Actively managed equity mutual funds can generate better returns than fixed deposits.

A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds can balance risk and reward.

Mid-cap and small-cap funds have higher growth potential but also higher volatility.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns and lack active risk management.

Debt Investments for Stability
Fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, and PPF provide stability.

These should be used for short-term parking rather than long-term growth.

Debt mutual funds are taxed based on your income tax slab.

Avoid locking too much money in low-return instruments.

Balancing Risk and Return
Investing entirely in equity mutual funds can generate high returns but comes with volatility.

A mix of 80% equity and 20% debt can provide stability.

As your target nears, shift more funds towards safer instruments.

Avoid speculation and high-risk investments like cryptocurrency.

Role of NPS in Your Goal
NPS is good for retirement but not ideal for short-term goals.

Partial withdrawal is allowed only under specific conditions.

Do not rely on NPS for your property purchase.

Managing Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.

Investing in tax-efficient instruments will maximize returns.

Estimating the Timeframe
If you invest Rs 50,000 per month, you can accumulate Rs 50 lakh in about 7-8 years with moderate returns.

If you invest Rs 75,000 per month, you can reach Rs 50 lakh in about 5 years.

The faster you increase your savings, the sooner you will achieve your goal.

Final Insights
Increase your monthly investment to at least Rs 50,000.

Focus on actively managed equity mutual funds.

Keep a small portion in debt for stability.

Avoid unnecessary expenses and invest salary increments.

Do not depend on NPS for this goal.

Monitor and adjust your portfolio as needed.

Stay disciplined and patient to achieve your target.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1092 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1092 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x