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

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 28, 2024

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Dr Question by Dr on Oct 26, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Hello Sir. I want to know how much mutual fund investment is required to achieve a goal of 10 cr retirement corpus at the age of 60years.current age 40 years. current investment details are as follows. 1.Ppf 11lcs -maturing on 2029. 2.SSA 13lacs.currently 9years running. 4.Mutual funds + Company shares 15.5lcs 5.SGB -1.5lcs 6.FD -2lcs. 7.Car-3lcs

Ans: Hello;

If we consider that PPF, SSY, SGB and other current investments are meant for other financial goals, then you should start a monthly sip of 1 L to reach a target of 10 Cr after the end of 20 years considering modest return of 12% from pure equity mutual funds.

If we consider the current investments also towards retirement such that each scheme gets reinvested in MFs after maturity then a monthly sip of 60 K would suffice to reach corpus of around 6 Cr after 20 years while balance sum of around 4 Cr is expected after current investments are reinvested in MFs for respective residual span.

Happy Investing;

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates.

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Sir, Myself Rajesh, salaried person, 37 years old. having MF SIP Rs. 36500 per month, current invested amount is about Rs. 14,00,000/- + in Equity stocks- Rs.3,00,000/- have about Rs. 5,00,000/- in hand to invest either in stocks or MF . Have family of 3 people and Monthly expenses are around Rs.25k. Planning to take retirement in another 10 years, looking at the current investment can you help me identify approx. corpus required to invest and take retirement. Thank you.
Ans: Hello Rajesh! It's great to see your commitment to investing for your future, especially with retirement on the horizon. Let's dive into planning for your retirement corpus.

Given your current investments in MF SIPs and equity stocks, you're already on a solid path. However, to estimate the corpus needed for retirement, we need to consider factors such as your desired post-retirement lifestyle, inflation, and expected expenses.

With your monthly expenses at Rs. 25,000 and a family of three, projecting your future expenses accounting for inflation is essential. Additionally, factoring in potential healthcare costs and other unforeseen expenses is prudent.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend conducting a comprehensive financial review to determine your retirement goals and risk tolerance. This will help in estimating the corpus required to sustain your lifestyle post-retirement comfortably.

With your additional Rs. 5,00,000 in hand, you have an opportunity to further diversify your investments. Whether you choose to invest in stocks or MFs, consider your risk appetite and the need for diversification to mitigate risks.

I suggest consulting with a financial advisor who can create a personalized retirement plan tailored to your specific circumstances and goals. By taking proactive steps now, you're setting yourself up for a financially secure retirement in 10 years. Keep up the good work, and remember, investing is a journey, so stay focused on your long-term objectives.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Listen
Money
Sir, I am Mr. Sanjay Gupta age 40 yrs, investing monthly 50k in SIP, monthly 10k in NPS, monthly 10k in EPF, Yearly 1.50 lakh in PPF. How much I should invest to have monthly 3 lakh during retirement and reach to corpus of 3 crore before retirement.
Ans: Hello Mr. Sanjay Gupta, it's commendable that you're diligently investing towards your retirement. Let's strategize to ensure a comfortable lifestyle post-retirement.

Assessing Your Current Investments:

With monthly SIPs of 50k, NPS contributions of 10k, EPF contributions of 10k, and yearly PPF investments of 1.50 lakh, you're already on the right track towards building your retirement corpus.

Setting Retirement Income Target:

To achieve a monthly income of 3 lakh during retirement and a corpus of 3 crore before retirement, we need to evaluate your current investment trajectory and adjust it accordingly.

Calculating Required Investments:

Considering your current investments and retirement goals, we'll calculate the additional investment required to bridge the gap.

Strategic Allocation of Funds:

We'll optimize your investment portfolio by balancing allocations across different asset classes to maximize returns and manage risk effectively.

Benefits of SIPs:

SIPs offer a disciplined approach to investing in mutual funds, harnessing the power of compounding to build wealth over time.

Benefits of NPS and EPF:

NPS and EPF provide tax benefits and stable returns, contributing to your retirement corpus while ensuring financial security.

Importance of PPF:

PPF offers attractive interest rates and tax benefits, serving as a reliable long-term savings instrument to supplement your retirement income.

Analyzing Retirement Income Needs:

To generate a monthly income of 3 lakh during retirement, we'll assess the required corpus and strategize investments accordingly.

Calculating Corpus Required:

Based on your desired monthly income and life expectancy, we'll calculate the corpus needed to sustain your lifestyle post-retirement.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner:

Seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures personalized guidance tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, achieving your retirement goals necessitates a comprehensive approach, balancing investments across various avenues. By optimizing your current investments and strategizing additional contributions, we can work towards securing your financial future and ensuring a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Money
sir I have invested Monthly since last 2years on the following Mutual funds Rs6000 in HDFC Top 100, In Invesco global consumer Rs. 5000, DSP ELSS Rs5000,PGIM Mid cap opportunity fund Rs.5000 axis Mutual Fund special situation Rs.2000, Hdfc mid cap Rs.5000, Quant mid cap 10000, Icici Prudential Manufacturing Rs.5000,Tata Infrastructure Fund Rs.5000,Invesco India PSU fund Rs.5000,Motilal Oswal Large and mid cap fund rs.5000, sbi energy opportunity fund rs 5000, Tata Digital fund rs 5000, Hdfc defense fund rs 5000, after 10 years how much Total corpus I will get . I want to make 3cr in next 10 years corpus for this where I have to invest and how much
Ans: You are investing Rs.77,000 monthly across various mutual fund schemes.

You’ve completed 2 years. You plan to continue for 10 more years.

You want to know two key things:

How much corpus can you expect after 10 years?

How to reach your target of Rs.3 crores?

Let us explore this in detail with a professional and 360-degree view.

I’ll write this in a simple tone with short sentences, as per your guidance.

Let’s begin.

Your Current Investment Summary

You are investing Rs.77,000 monthly in mutual funds.

You’ve done this consistently for the last 2 years.

You’re planning to continue for another 10 years.

Your current SIPs are spread across large cap, mid cap, sectoral, ELSS and global funds.

That shows discipline and commitment. Appreciate your long-term vision.

This strategy gives long-term compounding benefit.

Diversification across sectors also helps reduce some risk.

But too many funds may reduce effectiveness.

Expected Corpus in 10 Years with Current SIPs

If you continue Rs.77,000 monthly for the next 10 years…

And assuming average returns around 11% to 12% per year…

Your total corpus may become between Rs.1.60 crores to Rs.1.75 crores.

This is over and above the Rs.20 lakhs already invested in the last 2 years.

Including the existing corpus, your total may reach Rs.2.10 to Rs.2.25 crores.

This is a good base, but still short of Rs.3 crore target.

There is a gap of about Rs.75 lakhs to Rs.90 lakhs.

That gap needs to be addressed carefully.

How Much More is Required to Reach Rs.3 Crores

You need to increase your monthly SIP.

Increasing SIP by Rs.20,000 to Rs.25,000 monthly can help bridge the gap.

Even a 10% annual SIP step-up can accelerate growth.

But it must be sustainable and consistent.

Avoid large fluctuations in SIP values every year.

Ideal SIP Amount to Target Rs.3 Crores

For a target of Rs.3 crores in 10 years…

You may need to invest about Rs.95,000 to Rs.1,00,000 monthly.

You are already investing Rs.77,000. So only Rs.18,000 to Rs.23,000 more is needed.

If income grows yearly, increase SIPs by 10% annually.

This method works better than one-time increase.

Gradual increase suits most investors mentally and financially.

Assessment of Fund Category Mix

Your current funds include many sectoral schemes.

Sector funds carry higher risk and volatility.

Overexposure to such funds may reduce consistency.

You also have multiple midcap funds.

While midcaps give growth, they can fall sharply in downturns.

A balanced mix of large cap, flexi cap, and mid cap is better.

You may reduce sectoral funds and focus more on diversified categories.

Suggestion: Trim the Number of Funds

You have more than 12 mutual fund schemes now.

This leads to portfolio overlap and confusion.

Fund performance becomes difficult to track.

Too many schemes also duplicate stocks.

Best is to keep only 5 to 7 well-selected schemes.

Choose those which consistently beat benchmarks over 5+ years.

Keep them from different categories for better balance.

Keep More in Diversified Equity Funds

Avoid high allocation to thematic or sector-specific funds.

Sectors like defence, infrastructure, digital, PSU are cyclical.

They don’t perform all the time.

For long-term wealth, diversified funds work better.

Flexi cap and multi-cap funds adapt better to market cycles.

You may retain 1 sectoral fund, but not more than that.

Over-diversification in sectors reduces stability.

Avoid Index Funds Completely

Index funds are passive. They copy market index.

They don’t aim to beat returns.

In India, active funds often outperform index funds.

Also, index funds fail in sideways or falling markets.

They don’t protect downside.

Expense ratio may be low, but so are returns.

With Certified Financial Planner and MFD, regular funds give better support.

Active funds have dynamic portfolio management.

Stick to Regular Mutual Funds Through MFDs and CFPs

Direct funds may seem cheaper. But they lack guidance.

Most investors make wrong entries and exits in direct funds.

They often get average or below-average returns.

With regular funds via MFD and CFP, advice is continuous.

Emotional handholding is equally important as returns.

CFPs also monitor rebalancing, asset allocation, and fund changes.

They help you stay on track in volatile markets.

Taxation of Mutual Funds Must Be Understood

Under new rules, equity fund LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakhs is taxed at 12.5%.

Short term gains (less than 1 year) taxed at 20%.

So, long holding period is good.

Avoid frequent switches or redemptions.

SIPs older than 1 year become tax efficient.

Maintain SIPs minimum 5 to 7 years for optimal results.

Strategy to Reach Rs.3 Crore in 10 Years

Increase SIP to Rs.95,000 to Rs.1 lakh monthly.

Stick to 5 to 7 diversified equity funds only.

Remove excess sectoral and overlapping schemes.

Add flexi cap, large and midcap, and ELSS for discipline.

Review performance once in a year with your CFP.

Step up SIPs by 10% annually, if income allows.

Reinvest all dividends and don’t withdraw midway.

Track fund consistency, not just recent returns.

Invest only through CFP-led MFD platforms for better behaviour tracking.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Don’t stop SIPs in falling markets.

Don’t chase short-term top-performing funds.

Avoid direct mutual funds without proper tracking.

Don’t rely heavily on infrastructure, defence or PSU funds.

Don’t withdraw unless it’s an emergency.

Don’t compare portfolio with friends or relatives.

Monitor Investment Journey Yearly

Check corpus progress every 12 months.

Ensure you’re on track to Rs.3 crore.

Your CFP can use goal-tracking tools to assist.

Adjust funds if performance drops consistently.

Don’t panic over short-term falls.

Keep long-term mindset always.

Keep updating your KYC, FATCA, nominee details yearly.

Stay invested through all market cycles.

Behavioural Discipline is More Important Than Fund Selection

Even best fund can’t deliver if you stop SIPs halfway.

Behaviour matters more than timing or fund choice.

Investing monthly is already a big success.

Staying for 10 years multiplies your advantage.

Role of Emergency Fund and Insurance

Keep Rs.3 to Rs.6 lakhs as emergency fund.

Don’t touch mutual funds for short-term needs.

Have Rs.10 lakh health insurance and term insurance of Rs.1 crore minimum.

This protects your SIPs in emergencies.

Review insurance covers every 2 years.

Finally

You are already on a strong path with Rs.77,000 SIP.

Just increase it by Rs.20,000 monthly to target Rs.3 crores.

Avoid holding too many funds. Keep it focused and diversified.

Say no to index and direct funds.

Stick to regular plans with Certified Financial Planner support.

Remove excess sectoral allocation. Stay with core categories.

Review annually with your CFP. Adjust if needed.

Don’t lose focus in market corrections.

Rs.3 crores is very much achievable with these steps.

Stay consistent. Stay informed. Stay disciplined.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 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.

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