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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 25, 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 - Jun 25, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello sir, Hope your are doing good, I'm 30 year , Earn 80k/ Per month in hand ,single, Having car loan of 12 Lakhs which started this month paying 22k in that, Having stock of Rs 5 lakhs. PF of 1 lakhs , Pls suggest - 1. From next month plan to start sip of 15k which is best to invest , I've shortlisted IN SMALL CAP - Quant , Nippon In TAX SAVER- Quant, bandhan, parag parikh In MID CAP - HDFC mid opportunity fund. Which one to go or you can add to make Portfolio balance. 2. In 80C which is best investment to add like I'm doing SIP I can go for ELSS or else ? 3. Planning to retire at 50/55 with corpus of 10 to 12 cr is it possible?

Ans: I hope you're doing well! You've got a good income and are thinking ahead about your investments and retirement. It's great to see you're planning early. Let's dive into your questions and build a comprehensive strategy for you.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
At 30 years old, you earn Rs 80,000 per month and have a car loan of Rs 12 lakhs with an EMI of Rs 22,000. You also have Rs 5 lakhs in stocks and Rs 1 lakh in your Provident Fund (PF). Planning to start a SIP of Rs 15,000 from next month is a smart move.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
Retirement Planning: You want to retire at 50-55 with a corpus of Rs 10-12 crores. This is achievable with disciplined investing.

Tax Savings: You are interested in tax-saving options under Section 80C.

Building a Balanced Portfolio: You’ve shortlisted funds in small cap, tax saver, and mid cap categories.

SIP Investment Strategy
Investing Rs 15,000 monthly in SIPs is a great way to build wealth. Let's discuss your selected funds and how to balance your portfolio.

Small Cap Funds
You’ve shortlisted Quant and Nippon for small cap investments. Small cap funds can provide high returns but come with high risk. Since you're young, you can afford to take some risks for higher growth.

Considerations:

High Risk, High Reward: Small cap funds can be volatile but offer significant growth potential.
Long-term Investment: Best to hold for at least 5-7 years to ride out market volatility.
Tax Saver (ELSS) Funds
You’ve shortlisted Quant, Bandhan, and Parag Parikh for tax-saving investments. ELSS funds are great for tax benefits and wealth creation.

Considerations:

Tax Benefits: Investments up to Rs 1.5 lakhs in ELSS are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C.
Lock-in Period: ELSS funds have a 3-year lock-in period, which is the shortest among tax-saving options.
Mid Cap Funds
You’ve chosen HDFC Mid Opportunity Fund. Mid cap funds balance risk and return well, offering more stability than small caps with better returns than large caps.

Considerations:

Balanced Growth: Mid caps provide a good balance of risk and reward.
Holding Period: Aim for a 5-7 year horizon for optimal returns.
Balancing Your Portfolio
For a balanced portfolio, diversification is key. Here’s a suggested allocation:

Small Cap Funds: Allocate 40% (Rs 6,000) to small cap funds. They offer high growth potential but come with higher risk.

Mid Cap Funds: Allocate 30% (Rs 4,500) to mid cap funds. They provide a balance between growth and risk.

Tax Saver (ELSS) Funds: Allocate 30% (Rs 4,500) to ELSS funds. They offer tax benefits and potential for long-term growth.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, managed by professional fund managers, aim to outperform the market. Though they come with higher fees, they potentially offer better returns than index funds, which merely track the market.

Benefits of Investing Through an MFD with CFP Credential
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who is also a CFP can be highly beneficial:

Personalized Advice: A CFP can provide tailored advice based on your financial goals and risk appetite.

Professional Management: Regular funds managed by professionals adapt to market conditions better than direct funds.

Ongoing Support: Continuous monitoring and adjustments keep your investments aligned with your goals.

Tax Saving Investments Under Section 80C
Besides ELSS funds, here are other Section 80C investment options:

Public Provident Fund (PPF): A safe, government-backed option with attractive returns and tax benefits.

National Savings Certificate (NSC): A fixed-income investment with a 5-year maturity and tax benefits.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF): Contributions to EPF also qualify for tax deductions.

Planning for Retirement
Your goal of retiring with a corpus of Rs 10-12 crores is ambitious but achievable. Here’s how you can plan:

Consistent SIPs: Continue investing Rs 15,000 monthly in diversified SIPs.

Increase Investments: As your income grows, increase your SIP contributions to accelerate wealth creation.

Regular Monitoring: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Evaluating Term Insurance
Term insurance is essential for financial protection. Here’s why:

Financial Security: It provides a financial safety net for your family in case of unforeseen events.

Affordability: Term insurance is cost-effective, offering high coverage at low premiums.

Coverage Duration: Choose a policy that covers you until at least 60-65 years of age, ensuring protection during your working years.

Selecting the Right Term Insurance Provider
Both HDFC and Max Life offer good term insurance plans. Consider the following:

Claim Settlement Ratio: A higher ratio indicates better reliability in settling claims.

Premium Costs: Compare the premiums and choose one that fits your budget.

Additional Benefits: Look for policies offering additional riders like critical illness or accidental death cover.


Your proactive approach to financial planning is impressive. Taking steps early to secure your financial future shows great foresight and responsibility.

I understand the importance of your goals. Retirement, tax savings, and a balanced portfolio are critical for long-term financial security. Your dedication to planning is truly commendable.

Final Insights
Investing Rs 15,000 monthly in SIPs across small cap, mid cap, and ELSS funds is a solid strategy. Diversifying your investments ensures balanced growth and risk management. Actively managed funds offer better potential returns, making them a preferable choice over index funds.

A CFP can provide valuable insights and personalized advice, ensuring your investments align with your goals. Additionally, term insurance is crucial for financial protection. Choose a policy with sufficient coverage, ideally till your retirement age. Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio to stay on track.

Your commitment to financial planning is praiseworthy, and with the right strategy, you can achieve your goals.

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  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

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Hi Sir/Ma'am, I am 25 yrs old and my take home monthly is approx 1.2 lacs working in IT. Currently I am investing in PPF since 2020. Used to invest around Rs. 1000/- pm but slowly increased my investment to 12,500 from last month onwards and looking to continue the same. Since beginning of this year, I have started to invest in mutual funds with a monthly SIP of 15,000. I invest in a mix of small, mid and large cap funds. Does it makes sense to consider investing in ELSS tax saver funds? Do they generally give good returns as compared to SML cap funds? I am looking to step up my SIP by 10% every year. My goal is to attain financial freedom in the next ten years with more 1cr. as a corpus. I also have a LIC jeevan anand policy and I invest around 1,250/- every month which will mature in next 10 years. In order to achieve my financial goal fast, should I increase my monthly SIP to maybe 30k by decreasing the amount invested in other schemes? I know that SIPs generally comes with a better return but with a high risk. Is there any other scheme that I should opt for which gives higher return? Please suggest how to go about it based on my current income and living expenses. I also have some liabilities after investments such as: Personal loan: 45k Consumer loans: around 10k House expenses: 20k My current investment portfolio so far: SIP: 40K (Recently started as mentioned) PPF: 2.2 lacs EPF: 1.8 lacs LIC: 1 lac Thank you!
Ans: Firstly, I commend you for taking proactive steps towards building your financial future at such a young age. Your commitment to increasing your investments over time is commendable and will serve you well in achieving your financial goals.

Regarding your query about ELSS tax saver funds, they can indeed be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio. ELSS funds not only offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act but also have the potential to generate higher returns over the long term compared to traditional investment avenues like PPF.

As for comparing ELSS funds with small-cap funds, it's essential to understand that they belong to different categories with varying risk profiles. Small-cap funds typically carry higher risk but also have the potential for higher returns, while ELSS funds invest primarily in equity markets and have the added advantage of tax benefits. Both can play a role in diversifying your investment portfolio and achieving your financial goals.

Considering your goal of attaining financial freedom in the next ten years with a corpus of over 1 crore, it's essential to review your investment strategy periodically and make adjustments as needed. Increasing your monthly SIP to 30k and potentially reallocating some funds from other schemes could be a prudent move, given your high income and relatively low living expenses.

Regarding your existing LIC Jeevan Anand policy, surrendering it and reinvesting the proceeds in mutual funds could potentially yield higher returns, especially considering your long investment horizon and risk tolerance. However, it's essential to evaluate the surrender value, any applicable penalties, and the potential tax implications before making a decision.

In summary, continue with your disciplined approach to investing, consider adding ELSS funds to your portfolio, and review your investments periodically to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2024

Money
Hello sir, Hope your are doing good, I'm 30 year , Earn 80k/ Per month in hand ,single, Having car loan of 12 Lakhs which started this month paying 22k in that, Having stock of Rs 5 lakhs. PF of 1 lakhs , Pls suggest - 1. From next month plan to start sip of 15k which is best to invest , I've shortlisted IN SMALL CAP - Quant , Nippon In TAX SAVER- Quant, bandhan, parag parikh In MID CAP - HDFC mid opportunity fund. Which one to go or you can add to make Portfolio balance. 2. In 80C which is best investment to add like I'm doing SIP I can go for ELSS or else ? 3. Planning to retire at 50/55 with corpus of 10 to 12 cr is it possible? 4. Should I invest in Quant MF as there is front running news going on.
Ans: It’s great that you’re planning your investments and thinking ahead about your retirement. Let's dive into your queries one by one, keeping it detailed yet simple.

1. SIP Investment Options

Starting a SIP of Rs. 15,000 is a smart move. Here’s how you can balance your portfolio:

Small Cap Funds: Small-cap funds have the potential for high growth but come with higher risk. A balanced approach can help.

Tax Saver Funds (ELSS): These funds offer tax benefits under 80C and have a lock-in period of 3 years. They also provide good returns, making them an excellent choice for long-term investments.

Mid Cap Funds: Mid-cap funds provide a balance between the high risk of small-cap funds and the stability of large-cap funds.

You’ve shortlisted some good funds. To balance your portfolio, diversify across these categories. Consider spreading your Rs. 15,000 SIP into small-cap, tax saver, and mid-cap funds equally or as per your risk appetite.

2. Best 80C Investments

For 80C investments, ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) is one of the best options. It offers tax benefits and the potential for high returns due to equity exposure. The lock-in period is just three years, which is lower compared to other 80C options.

Apart from ELSS, you can also consider:

Public Provident Fund (PPF): It offers a fixed return and is government-backed, making it a safe option.

National Savings Certificate (NSC): Another safe option with a fixed return and tax benefits.

Combining ELSS for equity exposure and PPF or NSC for stability can create a balanced 80C investment portfolio.

3. Retirement Planning

Planning to retire at 50/55 with a corpus of Rs. 10 to 12 crores is ambitious but achievable. Given your current income and investment habits, you’re on the right path. Here are some steps to reach your goal:

Increase SIP Amount Gradually: As your income grows, try to increase your SIP amount. This will significantly boost your corpus over time.

Diversify Investments: Don’t put all your money into one type of fund. Diversify across different types of mutual funds (large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, ELSS) and other investment avenues.

Reinvest Dividends: Choose the growth option in mutual funds to reinvest dividends. This can compound your returns over time.

Regular Review: Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals and market conditions. Rebalance if necessary.

4. Investing in Quant Mutual Funds

The news about front running in Quant Mutual Funds can be concerning. It's important to consider the credibility and performance consistency of any fund. If you’re unsure, diversify your investments across different fund houses to mitigate risks.

Advantages of Mutual Funds

Diversification: Mutual funds offer diversification, reducing the risk by investing in a mix of assets.

Professional Management: Funds are managed by experienced professionals who make investment decisions based on research and analysis.

Liquidity: Mutual funds offer liquidity, allowing you to redeem your investments as needed.

Compounding: The power of compounding in mutual funds can significantly grow your wealth over time, especially with SIPs.

Types of Mutual Funds

Equity Funds: Invest in stocks, offering high returns with higher risk. Suitable for long-term goals.

Debt Funds: Invest in fixed-income securities, offering lower risk and steady returns. Good for short to medium-term goals.

Hybrid Funds: Combine equity and debt, providing a balance of risk and return.

ELSS: Offers tax benefits under 80C, with equity exposure and a lock-in period of 3 years.

Risk and Returns

Mutual funds come with varying degrees of risk. Equity funds are high-risk, high-return. Debt funds are low-risk, stable-return. Hybrid funds offer moderate risk and return. Understanding your risk tolerance is key to choosing the right funds.

Final Insights

Your investment journey looks promising. Starting a Rs. 15,000 SIP, focusing on ELSS for 80C benefits, and planning for a substantial retirement corpus are excellent strategies. Diversification, regular reviews, and reinvestment of dividends will help you reach your goals.

Keep an eye on fund performance and stay informed about any issues like the front-running news with Quant Mutual Funds. Remember, diversifying across different fund houses and categories can safeguard your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2024

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Money
Good Evevning Sir I am Anand from Delhi. I am a 35 yrs old Central Govt Salaried Person. I am looking for long term investment and a goal of 5 crores in 15 years. I am contributing ?15000 per month in provident fund and ?30000 per month in MF through SIP and have planned for 10-15% annual step up.I have started investing from 2022 and have 4.5 lakhs portfolio .My SIP details are:- 1. Navi Nifty Fifty Index Fund -3000 2. Edelweiss Aggressive Hybrid Fund- 5000 3. Mahindra Multicap -4500 4. Motilal Midcap -5000 5. Quant Small Cap -4500 6. SBI Contra - 5000 7. Motilal Nasdaq 100 FOF- 3000 Please review my portfolio.I am also planning to increase SIP by 2500 per month please suggest which fund should I put it in?
Ans: You have structured your investments well for wealth creation. Your contributions of Rs 15,000 per month in the Provident Fund ensure a secure retirement corpus. The Rs 30,000 per month SIP in mutual funds adds growth potential. Your plan for a 10-15% annual step-up is strategic and aligns with inflation-adjusted returns.

Your portfolio of Rs 4.5 lakh reflects consistency since 2022. However, diversification and allocation need review for better alignment with your Rs 5 crore goal in 15 years.

Advantages of Your Current SIP Plan
Regular investments: Rs 30,000 monthly in SIPs ensures discipline and compounding benefits.

Step-up strategy: Incremental increases in SIPs amplify long-term wealth creation.

Portfolio diversification: Your selection covers multiple categories like hybrid, multi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Time horizon: A 15-year horizon is ideal for equity-oriented investments, reducing short-term volatility risks.

Issues with Index Funds and Direct Investments
Your portfolio includes an index fund and a passive international fund. These might limit your returns compared to actively managed funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Limited scope to outperform the market due to passive strategy.

Rigid portfolio construction prevents reacting to market dynamics.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:

Potential for higher returns due to expert management.

Dynamic allocation to sectors and stocks improves risk-adjusted returns.

Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Funds:

Lack of guidance from MFDs with CFP credentials.

Risk of emotional decision-making without professional assistance.

Benefits of Regular Plans through MFDs:

Expert advice ensures tailored portfolio strategies.

Comprehensive financial planning reduces errors and missed opportunities.

Analysis of Your Fund Categories
Your portfolio covers a variety of equity and hybrid fund categories. However, there is overlap in mid-cap and small-cap exposure. Too much overlap can dilute diversification and increase risks.

Hybrid Fund: Provides stability and limited equity exposure.

Multicap Fund: Offers balanced exposure across market capitalisations.

Midcap and Small-Cap Funds: High-growth potential but increased volatility.

Contra Fund: Contrarian strategy adds diversification but may underperform in trending markets.

International Fund: Good diversification but exposed to currency risks and passive management.

Recommendations for SIP Increment
Your Rs 2,500 SIP increment should focus on optimising existing diversification. Add to funds with strong growth potential and professional management.

Avoid increasing contributions to index funds or passively managed funds.

Allocate the additional Rs 2,500 to an actively managed mid-cap or multicap fund.

Choose funds with consistent performance and low overlap with your current portfolio.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for fund selection aligned with your goals.

Tax Implications and Investment Choices
Tax planning is vital for wealth optimisation. For equity mutual funds:

Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Avoid unnecessary redemptions to reduce tax liabilities. Hold your investments for the long term to benefit from compounding and lower taxes.

Investment Strategy for Rs 5 Crore Goal
Maintain a diversified portfolio with strong equity orientation.

Increase SIP contributions annually as planned to match inflation.

Use actively managed funds to maximise returns over 15 years.

Rebalance your portfolio annually to maintain optimal allocation.

Ensure sufficient emergency funds for contingencies.

Avoid over-exposure to international or passive funds.

Final Insights
Your disciplined approach and long-term focus are commendable. Adjusting fund allocation can improve returns and align better with your Rs 5 crore target. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise fund selection and track progress towards your goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 01, 2025

Money
Hello, I,m 31 single my take home is around 1.5 lk/month, having a total debt of 4 lkh which will be cleared within 8 to 9 mnths. No long term debt, invested in lic premium around 85k p.a will pay for more 12 years. 10k monthly invested in sip equity of HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and NIPPON. Help me to understand were i should invest to get more surplus. Schemes names of Sip on MF Nippon multi cap fund (2k) Sbi contra fund (1.5k) Sbi midcap fund (1.5k) Hdfc large and mid cap (3k) Icici prudential large cap blue chip fund (2k) Total accumulatd 3.3 lkh Kindly help me to understand were should i invest to get retire at 45 or 50.
Ans: You are 31 years old. You earn Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly. You are single and debt-free in 8–9 months. You invest Rs. 10,000 monthly in equity mutual funds. You also pay Rs. 85,000 annually towards a LIC policy for 12 more years. Your accumulated mutual fund value is Rs. 3.3 lakh.

Let me now help you build a focused, efficient investment roadmap. It will aim to make early retirement at age 45 or 50 possible.

Your Financial Starting Point
You are young, consistent, and disciplined. That is a great base.

No long-term loans gives you better cash flow.

You are already investing in diversified mutual funds. A good habit.

You are handling insurance through LIC. Needs review.

Analyse Your Present Mutual Fund Portfolio
You invest in:

One large cap

One large and mid cap

One mid cap

One multi cap

One contra fund

Positives:

Good mix across equity segments.

SIP of Rs. 10,000 per month shows consistency.

You are using popular AMCs. That gives stability.

Concerns:

Small SIP size across five funds. This can dilute growth.

Overlap between large and large & mid cap categories.

Contra fund style may not suit every market cycle.

No thematic or focused fund exposure.

What You Should Do With Mutual Funds
Reduce overlap: Choose only one fund per category.

Increase SIP in strong performers. Choose funds with consistent alpha generation.

Avoid direct funds: You may miss rebalancing guidance. Regular plans with help from MFDs and CFPs offer direction.

Avoid index funds: Passive funds copy index, give average returns. No scope to beat market. Active funds with smart managers can generate better long-term results.

Review performance every 6 months: Exit underperforming funds after 2 years if no improvements.

Optimised Structure Suggestion:

1 large cap fund

1 mid cap fund

1 multi cap or flexi cap fund

1 focused fund

Don't pick thematic or sectoral unless you understand the risk. Allocate higher amounts to high conviction funds.

Revisit Your LIC Investment
You pay Rs. 85,000 per year. You will pay for 12 more years. That is Rs. 10.2 lakh.

Concerns:

Traditional LIC plans give 4–5% return.

Inflation eats real return.

No transparency in returns.

Not suitable for wealth creation.

Suggestion:

Ask for surrender value from LIC.

Compare it with MF returns.

If value is low now, wait 1–2 years to reduce surrender loss.

Future premiums can be stopped and redirected to SIPs.

Take pure term insurance for Rs. 1 crore. It costs around Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000 annually.

This shift will increase your investible surplus every year by Rs. 85,000. That helps you grow faster.

Strategic Cash Flow Plan – Post Debt Closure
Once your Rs. 4 lakh debt is cleared in 8–9 months:

Your monthly EMI or payment will stop.

That EMI amount can be moved to SIPs.

Total investible surplus can go up to Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 monthly.

No lifestyle upgrade is suggested. Delay gratification for 3–5 years.

Use this extra money to build your retirement corpus faster.

Build Emergency and Insurance Cover
You are single now. Still, you need protection.

Emergency fund: At least Rs. 2 lakh in liquid funds or FD.

Health Insurance: Buy personal health insurance of Rs. 5 lakh. Don’t depend only on employer.

Life Insurance: Term plan of Rs. 1 crore. Buy online via trusted IRDAI-registered platforms.

These three help you avoid dipping into SIPs during medical or job issues.

Retirement at Age 45 or 50 – What It Demands
You want to retire in 14 to 19 years. So your investment time frame is medium-to-long.

Key Considerations:

Retirement means no job, no salary.

You will need monthly income for 30–40 years post-retirement.

Inflation will increase cost of living.

Your corpus must support long life expectancy.

What You Should Focus On:

Increase SIP to at least Rs. 25,000 per month after debt closure.

Add Rs. 85,000 from LIC premiums after surrender to annual lump sum mutual fund investments.

Reinvest all bonuses or salary hikes towards goal for first 5 years.

Avoid buying assets that don’t generate income.

Don’t take personal loans or credit cards for lifestyle spends.

Investing Rs. 30,000+ monthly can help you target financial freedom in 14–15 years.

Asset Allocation Strategy
You are young. You can take more equity exposure now.

Equity Allocation: 80% of total investment. Through mutual funds.

Debt Allocation: 20% in recurring deposit or liquid fund.

Every 3–4 years, review and re-balance based on goal and life stage.

Avoid gold, crypto or real estate for now. They are not consistent wealth creators.

Tax Planning Suggestions
Mutual funds have tax benefits in long term.

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

Plan redemptions after holding for at least one year.

Avoid redeeming funds every year. Let compounding work for you.

Use ELSS funds only if tax saving under 80C is incomplete after EPF and term insurance.

Maintain Investment Discipline
Invest on SIP dates without fail.

Don’t stop SIPs when markets fall.

Increase SIP by 10–15% every year.

Avoid using mutual funds for short-term needs.

Don’t try to time markets or chase hot funds.

Discipline matters more than fund selection in the long term.

Key Wealth Creation Tips For You
Start SIP top-up every 6–12 months.

Read monthly portfolio statements. Track performance.

Don’t take guidance from friends or influencers. Trust CFPs and MFDs.

Avoid ULIPs, Endowment, and money-back plans. Low returns and high costs.

Don't chase quick returns. Stay invested for long term.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
Helps you with retirement roadmap.

Offers fund reviews and suggestions.

Keeps emotions in check during market crashes.

Gives clarity on when to rebalance.

Tracks your goal progress.

Always invest through regular plans under guidance of CFP and MFD. They add human value beyond fund choice.

Finally
You are doing well already. Keep investing with better focus now. Once debt is gone, increase your SIP. Exit LIC after checking surrender value. Avoid index funds and direct plans. They look cheaper but give no personalised guidance. You are young. With right habits and direction, early retirement is possible. But you must act now. Wealth is built quietly over time. Not by jumping funds but by staying with them.

Keep reviewing, rebalancing, and growing.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

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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.

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Ravi Mittal  |676 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
Relationship
My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

Hope this helps

...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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