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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 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
sunil Question by sunil on Oct 24, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello sir, I want to invest 8000 in MF as SIP for next 17 years, I want to invest with 50:30:20 ratio. Kindly suggest me the best MF to invest in large, mid and small cap Is it ok if I invest in grow app or shall I look for AMC

Ans: When deciding on mutual funds, an asset allocation strategy is crucial. Your approach of investing in a 50:30:20 ratio—50% in large-cap, 30% in mid-cap, and 20% in small-cap—is a balanced strategy. It helps you capture growth from various segments of the market while managing risk. Large caps offer stability, mid-caps provide growth potential, and small caps can deliver high returns but come with higher risks.

Large caps are well-established companies with strong market positions. They usually offer steady returns and are less volatile.

Mid-caps are companies that have potential for growth. While they may be more volatile than large caps, they can offer higher returns over time.

Small caps are companies in the early growth stage. They have the potential for high returns, but they come with higher risks due to market fluctuations.

Fund Selection
Here’s a framework you can use to pick the right mutual funds in each category. Avoid focusing on any single scheme. Instead, evaluate based on:

Performance: Look for funds that have consistently outperformed their benchmarks over the last 5 to 10 years. Avoid funds with short-term spikes in performance.

Expense Ratio: Choose funds with lower expense ratios. A high expense ratio can eat into your returns.

Fund Manager Experience: Check the experience of the fund manager. A seasoned fund manager usually navigates market volatility better.

Portfolio Diversification: Ensure the fund has a well-diversified portfolio across sectors and stocks.

Large-Cap Funds (50%)
You should focus on large-cap funds that invest in the top 100 companies. These companies are less volatile, and the funds offer relatively stable returns over the long term. These funds generally help you in wealth preservation while also providing decent growth.

Mid-Cap Funds (30%)
For your mid-cap allocation, look for funds that focus on companies with a good track record but are still growing. Mid-caps have the potential to become large-cap companies, giving you a good balance of growth and risk.

Small-Cap Funds (20%)
Small-cap funds are for investors who can handle high volatility. These funds can deliver significant returns, but they also come with increased risk. Over 17 years, this volatility will smooth out, offering potentially high rewards.

SIP Benefits for Long-Term Goals
SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) work best when invested over a long period, such as your 17-year goal. Rupee cost averaging is one of the key benefits, where you invest a fixed amount every month, which helps you average out the cost of your investments, irrespective of market ups and downs.

SIP also inculcates discipline. You won’t need to time the market, which is beneficial for long-term wealth creation.

Active Funds vs. Index Funds
You may have heard about index funds, which simply track market indices like the Nifty or Sensex. While index funds might have lower expense ratios, they lack the flexibility that actively managed funds provide.

Index funds only mirror the market, meaning they do not provide opportunities for outperformance. They are not equipped to adjust to market conditions, which can limit your returns.

Actively managed funds give the fund manager the flexibility to adjust the portfolio. A skilled manager can take advantage of market inefficiencies, potentially delivering higher returns.

Therefore, it’s advisable to stick to actively managed funds where professional fund managers can make tactical decisions that may boost your returns.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Direct funds might seem attractive because they have lower expense ratios compared to regular funds. However, with direct funds, you lose out on professional advice. This can be detrimental, especially when navigating market volatility or selecting the best funds.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) can add immense value. A CFP can help you select funds that align with your financial goals, risk profile, and market conditions. They will also assist you in rebalancing your portfolio periodically.

In the long run, the cost difference between regular and direct funds is minimal compared to the value of professional advice.

Taxation Considerations
When selling mutual funds, it’s important to be aware of the capital gains tax:

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) for equity mutual funds: Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) for equity mutual funds: Gains are taxed at 20%.

For Debt Mutual Funds, both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Make sure to factor in these taxes when planning your withdrawals. Keeping track of the holding period can help optimize your tax outgo.

Is Grow App Safe?
You asked about whether it’s okay to invest through apps like Grow or if you should go directly through the AMC (Asset Management Company). While apps like Grow, Zerodha, and Kuvera have made mutual fund investing more accessible, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

Pros of Apps: Convenience and ease of use. You can monitor your portfolio from anywhere, set up SIPs, and make changes with just a few clicks.

Cons of Apps: They may lack the personalized advice that comes from working with a Certified Financial Planner. The guidance offered by these platforms may be generic.

On the other hand, investing through an AMC directly or with the help of a CFP ensures that you get professional guidance. This becomes even more important when making decisions about rebalancing, goal setting, and market corrections.

Tracking Your Portfolio
Since you are investing for 17 years, it's important to track your portfolio periodically—every 6 to 12 months. This allows you to rebalance your portfolio based on market conditions. For example, if one segment (large, mid, or small-cap) has outperformed or underperformed significantly, you may need to adjust your SIP allocations accordingly.

A CFP can help you with rebalancing and ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your risk appetite and financial goals.

Risk Mitigation Strategy
While mutual funds are a great tool for wealth creation, it’s essential to have a strategy to manage risks. Here are a few steps you can follow:

Diversify Across Fund Categories: Don’t just stick to large, mid, and small caps. Explore debt funds, hybrid funds, or international funds for better diversification.

Emergency Fund: Before aggressively investing, ensure you have an emergency fund that covers at least 6 months of expenses. This prevents you from withdrawing your mutual fund investments prematurely during emergencies.

Periodic Review: Periodically review your risk profile and goals. A CFP can help you decide if you need to adjust your investment strategy based on any changes in your life, like marriage, kids, or job change.

Final Insights
Your plan to invest Rs 8,000 monthly through SIP for the next 17 years is commendable. It’s a good strategy that aligns with your long-term financial goals. The 50:30:20 allocation is a well-balanced approach. However, it’s important to stay committed, review periodically, and adjust if necessary.

While apps like Grow are convenient, working with a Certified Financial Planner offers tailored guidance that can prove beneficial, especially for long-term wealth creation. Active funds, managed by skilled professionals, are likely to outperform index funds over such a long horizon.

Stick to your strategy, stay disciplined, and enjoy the wealth compounding effect over the years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
Asked on - Oct 27, 2024 | Answered on Oct 27, 2024
Listen
How can I contact you to get help in investment. As you said I need a financial advisor.
Ans: I appreciate your trust and willingness to connect.
Let's embark on this financial journey together.
You can reach me through my website mentioned below.
This platform has restrictions on sharing personal contact. Hope you understand.

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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2024

Listen
Money
Sir, i am 33yrs old and new to investment. I am planning to do SIP for long term next 15 to 20 years. What are the best MF for me to invest? Kindly help sir.
Ans: Starting Your Investment Journey
It's fantastic that you're starting your investment journey at 33. Investing in SIPs for the long term is a smart and disciplined approach.

Benefits of SIPs
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) help inculcate a habit of regular investing. They provide the advantage of rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding. Over 15 to 20 years, these benefits can significantly grow your wealth.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have professional managers who make strategic decisions to maximize returns. Unlike index funds, which simply track market indices, actively managed funds adapt to market conditions. This can result in better performance and higher returns.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds have lower costs but lack flexibility. They often underperform during volatile market conditions. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can adjust their strategies to navigate market fluctuations effectively.

Benefits of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides expert guidance. They can help select the right funds based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Regular funds invested through a CFP offer professional management and strategic oversight.

Diversifying Your Portfolio
Diversification is key to managing risk and optimizing returns. A well-diversified portfolio includes a mix of equity, debt, and balanced funds. This spread reduces the impact of market volatility on your overall investment.

Equity Funds for Growth
Equity funds invest in stocks and are suitable for long-term growth. They tend to offer higher returns compared to other funds but come with higher risk. Investing in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds can provide balanced growth.

Debt Funds for Stability
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and government securities. They offer stability and lower risk compared to equity funds. Including debt funds in your portfolio ensures a steady return and reduces overall risk.

Balanced Funds for Moderate Growth
Balanced funds, or hybrid funds, invest in both equity and debt. They provide a balance of growth and stability. These funds are suitable for investors looking for moderate returns with controlled risk.

Regular Portfolio Review
Regularly reviewing your portfolio is crucial. Market conditions and your financial goals can change over time. A CFP can help you rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.

Increasing SIP Contributions
As your income grows, consider increasing your SIP contributions. Even small incremental increases can significantly boost your investment corpus over time. The power of compounding will amplify these contributions, leading to substantial growth.

Avoiding Common Investment Pitfalls
Avoid making emotional investment decisions. Stick to your long-term plan and avoid reacting to short-term market fluctuations. Regular consultation with a CFP ensures you stay on track towards your financial goals.

Building an Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This fund provides financial security and prevents the need to withdraw investments during emergencies.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
Your decision to invest in SIPs for the long term is wise. Focus on actively managed funds for better returns. Diversify your portfolio with a mix of equity, debt, and balanced funds. Regularly review and increase your SIP contributions, and maintain an emergency fund. Consulting with a CFP ensures professional guidance and helps you achieve your financial goals.

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 Oct 24, 2024

Money
I want to invest 8000 in SIP for next 17 years, in 50:30:20 ratio. Kindly suggest the best MF to invest
Ans: Investing Rs 8,000 in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a smart decision. This approach allows you to accumulate wealth over time. A 17-year horizon provides you with a solid timeframe to benefit from the power of compounding.

Your proposed allocation of 50:30:20 ratio is also strategic. This means:

50% in Equities: Aimed at growth through higher returns.

30% in Debt Instruments: Provides stability and income.

20% in Hybrid or Balanced Funds: Offers a blend of both equity and debt.

Evaluating Equity Investments
Equity investments are crucial for long-term wealth creation. Here’s how to approach this:

Higher Growth Potential:

Historically, equities outperform other asset classes over time.
They can provide substantial returns if invested wisely.
Long-Term Focus:

Invest in funds with strong fundamentals.
Look for funds with consistent performance and reliable management.
Risk Management:

While equities are riskier, they offer better inflation protection.

Diversification across sectors can mitigate risks.

Assessing Debt Investments
Debt investments are essential for balancing risk. They provide stability to your portfolio. Consider the following:

Stable Returns:

Debt instruments provide regular income through interest.
They can cushion your portfolio during market volatility.
Fixed Income Security:

Debt can safeguard your capital while generating returns.
Ideal for risk-averse investors seeking stability.
Inflation Consideration:

While safer, debt returns may not always outpace inflation.

It is important to regularly reassess your debt allocation.

Exploring Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds blend equity and debt. They can be a great choice for balanced growth. Here’s why:

Balanced Approach:

These funds adjust their allocations based on market conditions.
They provide exposure to both growth and stability.
Less Volatility:

Hybrid funds typically experience lower volatility than pure equity funds.
They are suitable for investors who want a moderate risk profile.
Ease of Management:

With hybrid funds, you do not have to constantly rebalance your portfolio.

Fund managers make allocation decisions based on market analysis.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
If you consider investing in direct mutual funds, be aware of the drawbacks:

Lack of Professional Guidance:

Direct funds require you to manage your investments.
This can be challenging without a financial background.
Time-Consuming:

Researching and monitoring funds can be time-consuming.
You may miss opportunities without regular oversight.
Limited Access to Expertise:

You might not have the same access to professional insights.

This can affect your investment decisions and performance.

Advantages of Regular Funds via MFD
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with Certified Financial Planner credentials offers several benefits:

Professional Management:

MFDs provide guidance on fund selection based on your goals.
They help you understand market trends and fund performance.
Customized Solutions:

MFDs can tailor investment strategies to your risk profile.
They help align your investments with your financial objectives.
Regular Monitoring:

MFDs keep track of your investments and market conditions.
They can recommend adjustments based on performance.
Convenience:

Investing through MFD simplifies the investment process.

You receive consolidated statements and updates on your portfolio.

Tax Considerations for Mutual Funds
Understanding tax implications is vital for effective investing. Here’s what you need to know:

Equity Mutual Funds:

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lac are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Debt Mutual Funds:

LTCG and STCG are taxed according to your income tax slab.

Keep these tax implications in mind when planning your investments.

Suggested Investment Strategy
Given your goals and preferences, consider the following investment strategy:

50% in Equity Funds:

Allocate Rs 4,000 per month.
Focus on funds with strong historical performance and management.
30% in Debt Funds:

Invest Rs 2,400 per month.
Choose funds that offer steady income and safety.
20% in Hybrid Funds:

Allocate Rs 1,600 per month.
Look for funds with a good balance of equity and debt exposure.
This allocation allows for growth while maintaining stability. Ensure you review and adjust this strategy regularly.

Final Insights
Your plan to invest Rs 8,000 in a SIP over 17 years is excellent. The 50:30:20 ratio can help you achieve your financial goals.

Consider the pros of actively managed funds through an MFD. They can provide valuable insights and professional guidance.

Regularly review your portfolio to ensure alignment with your goals. This will help you stay on track for long-term success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 20, 2025

Listen
Money
Hi Gurus , Finally last month I have started my investment in MF thru sip in following funds *Hdfc mid cap direct 4k* *tata small direct 4k* *Sbi bluechip direct4k* *Paragh flexi direct 4k* I did all sip through grow app I will wait next 15- 20years is this good any suggestions
Ans: Investing in mutual funds is a step in the right direction. Your portfolio showcases diversity and long-term focus. A 15–20-year horizon is excellent for wealth creation. Let’s review and refine your strategy.

Portfolio Review
Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds offer a mix of growth and risk. They outperform large-caps over the long term.

Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds are ideal for aggressive growth. However, they are more volatile.

Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds provide stability in your portfolio. They act as a cushion during downturns.

Flexi-Cap Funds
Flexi-cap funds are versatile. They allocate dynamically across market capitalisations.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
While direct funds save commission costs, they require constant monitoring.

Professional Expertise Lacking
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures a well-structured portfolio.

Market Timing Risk
Direct investors may make emotional decisions during volatility.

Portfolio Review
Regular funds offer continuous reviews by professionals.

Holistic Financial Guidance
An MFD with CFP certification provides personalised investment advice.

Suggestions for Improvement
Your portfolio is good but can be fine-tuned for better results.

Diversification Across Categories
Add a hybrid or balanced fund to reduce risk.

Sectoral Funds
If confident, allocate a small portion to sectoral funds.

Avoid Overlapping Funds
Check for duplication of holdings in existing funds.

Taxation Impact
New taxation rules make tax-efficient investing important.

Equity Funds
Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-Term Capital Gains
Gains from investments held for less than one year are taxed at 20%.

Plan Tax-Efficient Withdrawals
Use these rules for optimal tax management at redemption.

Benefits of Staying Invested
Compounding Benefits
Long-term investing amplifies wealth through compounding.

Mitigates Volatility
Staying invested reduces the impact of market fluctuations.

Goal-Oriented Investing
A 15–20-year horizon aligns with long-term goals.

Actionable Steps
Consolidate Portfolio
Avoid too many funds. Stick to 4–5 well-performing ones.

Periodic Reviews
Review your portfolio every year with a CFP for alignment with goals.

Reinvest in Underperformers
Switch funds only if underperformance persists for 2–3 years.

Consider Professional Advice
Switch from direct to regular funds for expert guidance.

Final Insights
Your SIP strategy is on the right track. Small adjustments can optimise it further. Focus on professional advice and consistent reviews to maximise returns.

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