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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 24, 2025

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 - Oct 23, 2025Hindi
Money

Hello Sir,kindly review my MF portfolio-- Parag parikh flexicap,Sbi Contra,Hdfc small cap,Nippon midcap,Icici large and midcap.Current value is 5.5 lacs,Want to collect 1.5cr in next 15 years.Please suggest if need to change any funds or these looks good.All are direct plans.

Ans: You have chosen a good mix of mutual funds. Your selection shows careful thought and awareness. It reflects your interest in wealth creation through equity funds. A portfolio of Rs 5.5 lakhs growing to Rs 1.5 crore in 15 years is a bold and achievable goal. With discipline and smart allocation, you can surely reach it. Let us assess your present portfolio and see if any refinement can enhance results.

» Appreciation of your efforts

You have made a good start by investing early. Choosing diversified equity categories shows clarity of vision. Each fund type you have selected serves a unique role. This helps spread risk and increase long-term growth potential. Your commitment towards long-term investing is the real strength here. Staying invested for 15 years gives time for compounding to work beautifully.

Also, investing through direct plans shows that you have taken charge of your money. You are taking initiative, and that is admirable. Many investors hesitate to even start. You have already done the hard part by beginning and choosing a diversified portfolio.

» Portfolio overview

Your portfolio includes funds from various segments – flexicap, contra, small cap, mid cap, and large & mid cap. This is a good combination for diversification. You have exposure across market caps and investing styles. The flexicap brings balance and adaptability. The contra fund adds a contrarian approach that can work well during market cycles. The mid and small caps bring higher growth potential. The large & mid cap fund offers stability and moderate returns.

So, your portfolio covers almost all essential categories for long-term wealth building. However, it may slightly tilt towards the aggressive side due to small and midcap exposure. For a 15-year goal, that is still fine. But you must manage it actively and review once a year.

» Assessment of current allocation

Right now, your funds are equity-heavy. That means higher volatility but also higher reward. Since your goal is long-term, this is acceptable. But small and midcap funds can fluctuate widely. You need to stay calm during market corrections. Avoid panic selling. The flexicap and large & mid cap parts will help balance the ride.

Over the next few years, as your corpus grows, consider slowly shifting a small part towards less volatile categories. This can protect gains when your goal nears. But for the first 10 years, staying with equity-oriented allocation is ideal.

» Evaluating diversification and overlap

Sometimes investors hold too many similar funds unknowingly. You have five funds covering different categories. But inside these funds, some stocks may overlap. For example, your flexicap and large & mid cap fund may hold common top companies. The overlap may slightly reduce diversification benefit.

A Certified Financial Planner can study the stock overlap percentage for you. If overlap is above 40%, a few adjustments may help. However, if the overlap is moderate, you can continue. Avoid having too many funds; four to five are enough. You are already within that range.

» Understanding risk-return balance

Each category you hold has a different risk profile. The flexicap fund provides flexible allocation and smoother performance. The contra fund follows a value approach and can do well in sideways markets. The midcap and small cap funds are more volatile but give strong returns in bullish cycles. The large & mid cap fund provides balance between growth and stability.

Together, these funds create a blend of stability, growth, and value. However, do not expect all funds to perform at the same time. Their cycles differ. When small caps fall, flexicap or contra may perform better. Patience and diversification will even out results over time.

» Assessing the suitability for 15-year wealth goal

To reach Rs 1.5 crore in 15 years, you will need consistent investments. Your existing corpus is a strong base. But to reach such a target, regular monthly SIPs are necessary. Equity funds perform best with SIPs. Market volatility helps through rupee cost averaging.

You already have a 15-year time horizon. That gives enough time to absorb short-term fluctuations. Continue your SIPs with yearly increases, even by 10–15%. This alone can make a big difference. Compounding works best with time and discipline.

» Insight on direct plans

You mentioned that all your funds are direct plans. While direct plans look cheaper due to lower expense ratio, they come with hidden drawbacks. Managing a portfolio alone can be stressful. Markets keep changing. Rebalancing, reviewing overlap, and tracking tax rules require time and skill.

Direct plans do not give you personalised guidance. If you miss rebalancing at the right time, returns can fall. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP qualification provides expert monitoring. They help you stay aligned with your goals, manage risk, and make timely course corrections.

Regular plans, though slightly costlier, include this guidance. The fee difference is small compared to the value of proper planning and behavioural support. Many investors lose more by taking wrong actions than by paying advisory charges. Hence, regular plans through a qualified CFP often give better long-term results.

» Tax efficiency and new rules

As per the new capital gains rule, when you sell equity mutual funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. So, try to keep your holding period above one year to get lower tax rate.

Since your goal is 15 years away, most of your gains will be long-term. You can plan redemptions smartly to optimise tax. Avoid frequent switching between funds. It creates short-term gains and unnecessary tax.

» Monitoring and reviewing your portfolio

Even the best portfolio needs regular reviews. Once a year is ideal. Check if each fund is still performing above its category average. If any fund consistently lags for 3 years, consider replacing it. Do not react to short-term underperformance.

Also, review your asset allocation yearly. If small caps become too large a portion after big rallies, rebalance slightly towards balanced categories. This ensures steady risk levels.

You should also track changes in fund management and strategy. A fund that changes its manager or investment style may behave differently later. Stay updated.

» Behavioural discipline in investing

The biggest factor in reaching Rs 1.5 crore is not the market but your discipline. Do not stop SIPs when markets fall. That is when you buy more units cheaply. Avoid checking NAVs daily. Market volatility is normal.

Have faith in your chosen funds and your time horizon. The key is patience. Even an average portfolio gives great results when held with consistency.

» Importance of increasing SIP amount

If your income rises every year, increase your SIP amount. This is called a step-up SIP. A small 10% yearly increase can multiply your final corpus. It helps you stay ahead of inflation and build wealth faster.

Make this increase automatic if possible. Most platforms allow it now. This single habit can help you comfortably reach Rs 1.5 crore or even more.

» Role of goal clarity

You mentioned a target of Rs 1.5 crore in 15 years. Define what this goal is for—retirement, child education, or financial freedom. When the goal is clear, planning becomes easy. It helps you decide the right asset allocation and withdrawal strategy later.

You can also plan sub-goals within 15 years. For example, after 10 years, check progress and decide if adjustments are needed. Periodic milestone reviews give motivation and control.

» Inflation and real return understanding

Always remember, inflation reduces purchasing power. So, while Rs 1.5 crore sounds large today, after 15 years its value will be lower. That’s why equity funds are essential. They are the best defence against inflation over long periods.

Your current fund categories are suitable to beat inflation comfortably. Keep your focus on real returns, not just nominal figures.

» Emergency and liquidity planning

While focusing on wealth creation, don’t ignore safety. Keep some money outside mutual funds as an emergency reserve. About 6 months’ expenses in a liquid fund or savings account is fine. This ensures you never need to redeem your equity funds during market downturns.

Liquidity support gives confidence to stay invested long-term. It protects your growth plan during uncertain periods.

» Role of insurance

A 15-year goal is long-term, so protect your income first. Have term life insurance to secure your family’s future. Avoid ULIPs or investment-cum-insurance policies. They give low returns and high costs. Term insurance plus mutual funds always work better.

Also, have health insurance separate from your employer cover. Medical costs can eat into investments otherwise.

» Planning the withdrawal strategy

When you near your goal, say around year 13 or 14, begin shifting gradually to safer categories. You can move some funds to balanced or short-duration debt funds over 1–2 years. This reduces the risk of a sudden market fall just before goal time.

A phased withdrawal is better than lump sum redemption. It ensures smoother realisation of your final target.

» Power of staying guided by a Certified Financial Planner

Working with a Certified Financial Planner helps you align all aspects—investments, risk cover, taxes, and goals. A CFP looks at your full financial picture. They guide you through market ups and downs, tax changes, and asset allocation reviews.

They also give unbiased advice based on your profile, not product commissions. They ensure you remain goal-focused and avoid emotional decisions. Regular plans through a CFP thus combine expert monitoring and disciplined approach.

» Common mistakes to avoid

– Do not redeem or switch funds based on short-term performance.
– Avoid adding too many funds. Five to six are enough.
– Never stop SIPs when markets fall.
– Don’t chase top-performing funds every year.
– Avoid using direct plans if you can’t review and rebalance yourself.
– Keep emotions away from money decisions.

Following these points alone can help you reach your Rs 1.5 crore target comfortably.

» Finally

Your mutual fund portfolio already has a strong base. It is diversified and growth-oriented. With regular monitoring, timely reviews, and systematic SIP increases, your goal looks achievable. Keep your patience intact during market volatility.

Shift to regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner for ongoing support, monitoring, and periodic rebalancing. This will bring more discipline and peace of mind.

You are already on the right path. Just keep walking consistently, and your financial future will grow bright and strong.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
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Money
Sir,pls review my MF portfolio and give your review and advice. I have in my portfolio 5 L in Baroda pnd paribas multi asset,2 L sbi balanced advantage,2 HDFC manufacturing fund,2 bandhan innovation MF,1 sbi psu fund,1 sbi next 50 index fund,2 L HDFC multicap,3000sip in sbi 250small cap index fund,3000 sip in ICICI bluechip fund,3000 sip in motilal oswal midcap fund.
Ans: Review of Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Let's assess your current mutual fund portfolio and provide suggestions to optimize it.

Current Portfolio Breakdown
Baroda BNP Paribas Multi Asset: Rs 5,00,000
SBI Balanced Advantage: Rs 2,00,000
HDFC Manufacturing Fund: Rs 2,00,000
Bandhan Innovation Mutual Fund: Rs 2,00,000
SBI PSU Fund: Rs 1,00,000
SBI Next 50 Index Fund: Rs 1,00,000
HDFC Multicap Fund: Rs 2,00,000
SIP in SBI 250 Small Cap Index Fund: Rs 3,000 per month
SIP in ICICI Bluechip Fund: Rs 3,000 per month
SIP in Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund: Rs 3,000 per month
Analysis and Evaluation
Diversification:

Your portfolio includes a mix of equity, balanced, and sector funds.
This diversification helps in risk management.
Sector Funds:

HDFC Manufacturing Fund and SBI PSU Fund are sector-specific.
Sector funds can be risky due to lack of diversification.
Index Funds:

SBI Next 50 Index Fund and SBI 250 Small Cap Index Fund are passive investments.
Index funds do not outperform the market and lack active management.
Balanced Advantage Fund:

SBI Balanced Advantage Fund balances equity and debt.
This provides stability during market volatility.
Multicap Funds:

HDFC Multicap Fund offers diversification across large, mid, and small caps.
This reduces concentration risk.
Recommendations
Reduce Sector Exposure:

Consider reducing your investment in sector funds like HDFC Manufacturing and SBI PSU Fund.
These funds are less diversified and can be volatile.
Shift from Index Funds to Actively Managed Funds:

Index funds like SBI Next 50 and SBI 250 Small Cap Index Fund lack active management.
Actively managed funds can potentially offer better returns.
Increase Exposure to Actively Managed Funds:

Increase investment in actively managed funds such as multicap, large-cap, and mid-cap funds.
These funds are managed by professionals who can make informed investment decisions.
SIP in Balanced and Multicap Funds:

Continue your SIP in ICICI Bluechip and Motilal Oswal Midcap funds.
Consider adding more SIPs in balanced advantage or multicap funds.
Diversify Across Asset Classes:

Continue investing in multi-asset funds like Baroda BNP Paribas Multi Asset.
These funds offer a mix of equity, debt, and other assets for better diversification.
Suggested Portfolio Allocation
Equity Funds:

Large Cap Funds: 30% of your portfolio.
Mid Cap Funds: 20% of your portfolio.
Multicap Funds: 25% of your portfolio.
Reduce sector funds to 10% of your portfolio.
Balanced Funds:

Balanced Advantage Funds: 15% of your portfolio.
Multi-Asset Funds:

Continue with Baroda BNP Paribas Multi Asset.
Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-diversified but can be optimized by reducing sector-specific and index funds. Increase allocation to actively managed large, mid, and multicap funds. This strategy will potentially enhance returns and manage risks better. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 11, 2024

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.

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