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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9126 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 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 - Apr 27, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am looking at imvesting around Rs.20,000 per month in SIP with good returns and overall balanced portfolio along with some us stock exposure (Parag Parikh kind of funds). Please provide your valuable suggest in which mutual funds should I invest or is ETF better option

Ans: When considering your investment strategy, actively managed funds can offer distinct advantages over ETFs. Actively managed funds are overseen by professional fund managers who actively research and select investments they believe will outperform the market. This active management can potentially lead to higher returns compared to passively managed ETFs.

Furthermore, actively managed funds have the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and exploit emerging opportunities. Fund managers can adjust their portfolios in response to market trends, economic indicators, and company-specific developments, aiming to optimize returns while managing risk.

On the other hand, ETFs, while offering low expense ratios and broad market exposure, often deliver only mediocre returns. Since they passively track an index, ETFs are unable to take advantage of market inefficiencies or capitalize on undervalued securities in the same way actively managed funds can.

Considering your desire for balanced returns and exposure to US stocks akin to Parag Parikh-like funds, actively managed funds offer a more suitable option. They provide the potential for superior performance while aligning with your investment objectives and preferences. Working with a Certified Financial Planner can help you identify the most appropriate actively managed funds to include in your portfolio.
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  |9126 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

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Dear Sir, I am 40 years old and i want to invest Rs.10,000/- per month through SIP in Mutual Funds for the period of 10 Years. Please suggest in which fund i have to invest.
Ans: Investing in mutual funds through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) is a wise decision. At 40, you have chosen the perfect time to plan for your financial future. Investing Rs. 10,000 per month for the next 10 years can build substantial wealth. Let's explore the best mutual fund options to meet your goals.

Understanding SIPs and Their Benefits
SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. It offers several benefits:

Disciplined Investment: SIP ensures regular savings, promoting financial discipline.
Rupee Cost Averaging: You buy more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high, averaging out the cost.
Compounding Effect: Earnings from your investments generate their own earnings, significantly growing your wealth over time.
Assessing Your Investment Goals
Your investment strategy should align with your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. At 40, you might have goals like children's education, retirement, or buying a house. With a 10-year horizon, a balanced approach considering both growth and stability is ideal.

Types of Mutual Funds to Consider
1. Equity Mutual Funds

Equity mutual funds invest primarily in stocks. They offer higher returns but come with higher risks. Given your 10-year horizon, equity funds can provide substantial growth.

Large-Cap Funds: Invest in large, established companies. They are less volatile and provide stable returns.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds: Invest in medium and small companies. They are more volatile but can offer higher returns.

Multi-Cap Funds: Invest across companies of all sizes, providing a balanced risk-reward profile.

2. Balanced or Hybrid Funds

Balanced funds invest in both equities and debt instruments. They offer a mix of growth and stability. These funds are suitable if you want moderate risk and stable returns.

3. Debt Mutual Funds

Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and treasury bills. They are less risky and offer stable returns. These funds are suitable if you prefer lower risk.

4. Tax-Saving Funds (ELSS)

Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) offer tax benefits under Section 80C. They have a lock-in period of three years and primarily invest in equities. These funds are ideal if you want to save on taxes and earn good returns.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Actively managed funds have professional fund managers making investment decisions. They aim to outperform the market. In contrast, index funds passively track a market index. While index funds have lower fees, actively managed funds can potentially offer higher returns through expert management.

Benefits of Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
Regular Funds

Expert Guidance: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional guidance.

Better Decisions: CFPs can help you choose funds that align with your goals and risk profile.

Convenience: CFPs handle all paperwork and administrative tasks, making the process smoother.

Direct Funds

Lower Costs: Direct funds have lower expense ratios as they don’t involve intermediaries.

Self-Management: Requires you to manage and track your investments.

Given your busy schedule and the complexities of financial markets, regular funds through a CFP provide a more comprehensive approach.

Creating a Balanced Portfolio
Diversification is key to managing risk. A well-balanced portfolio might include:

60% Equity Funds: Split between large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds.

30% Balanced Funds: To ensure stability and moderate returns.

10% Debt Funds: For low-risk, stable returns.

This diversified approach balances growth potential with risk management.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Portfolio
Regularly review your portfolio with your CFP. The market and your financial goals might change. Adjust your investments accordingly to stay on track.


Your decision to invest systematically shows foresight and financial acumen. At 40, you're taking control of your financial future, which is commendable. Investing Rs. 10,000 monthly through SIPs is a strategic move that will yield significant benefits over time.

Conclusion
Investing in mutual funds through SIPs is a smart way to build wealth. With a balanced mix of equity, balanced, and debt funds, you can achieve your financial goals. Working with a Certified Financial Planner ensures professional guidance, helping you make informed decisions. Stay disciplined, monitor your portfolio, and adjust as needed to ensure financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9126 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 04, 2024Hindi
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Hello Dev I am 22 years old. I want to invest 25k monthly in SIP. Could you suggest me some mutual funds for investing. Risk appetite: moderately agressive. No specific reason for investment.
Ans: It's fantastic to see your proactive approach to investing at such a young age. Let's explore suitable mutual funds for your monthly SIP investment of 25k:

Considering your moderately aggressive risk appetite, we'll focus on funds with a blend of growth potential and risk management.

Diversification is key to managing risk in your investment portfolio. We'll spread your investments across different asset classes and investment styles.

Equity funds offer the potential for high returns over the long term, but they come with higher volatility. We'll allocate a portion of your SIP towards diversified equity funds to capture growth opportunities.

To mitigate risk, we'll also consider allocating a portion of your SIP towards balanced funds or aggressive hybrid funds. These funds invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments, providing a balance between growth and stability.

Regular review and monitoring of your investment portfolio are essential to ensure it remains aligned with your risk tolerance and investment goals.

Keep in mind that investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay disciplined and patient, especially during market fluctuations.

Remember to review your investment strategy periodically and make adjustments as needed based on changing market conditions or personal circumstances.

In conclusion, by investing in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds, you can potentially achieve your long-term financial goals while managing risk effectively.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |613 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jun 22, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2025Hindi
Relationship
i remarried(prior widow)(39),took my daughter(14) along in this new marriage, now i hv a daughter(7) from this marriage, its been 8 years now,my husband keeps fighting on money as i am a homemaker now,as there is no one to look after, we are from different caste, thus he fights on food preparation too,we had agreed before marriage,that if his mum looks after the future kid i m willing to work, but that did not happen,he is extremely fussy about some foods and likes only few veggies or preparations,but is open when mom makes,thus he does not even take tiffin,i dont understand what should i do,he keeps on taunting on previous life,as my 1st husband was not earning,thus i used to go,now as there is no one to look after i told him,as he earns well, there is no need for me to go for a job,but he is insisting,i receive partial rent from my dads property,which i pay part rent and he pays part,he pays for food,his home loan SIP. i dont understand what is the problem,my daughter is not ready for babysitting,she gets upset.i always ask him what should i prepare today,he fights on that too, i just want to make what he likes.plz help
Ans: Your husband’s constant complaints about food, money, and your past are not just hurtful — they reflect deeper issues of control and emotional insensitivity. He is disregarding the fact that you are raising two daughters, trying to maintain harmony in the house, and even contributing part of the rent from your own limited resources. Your life before this marriage is being used against you unfairly, when in truth, that part of your journey made you stronger and more committed.

The truth is, this is no longer just about whether you work or not. It’s about feeling disrespected, dismissed, and unheard. You’ve tried to care — asking him what he’d like to eat, trying to avoid conflict, even putting aside your comfort to please him. And yet, he continues to find fault. That is not a reflection of your failure, but rather of his emotional disconnect and unwillingness to meet you halfway.

Right now, what you need most is clarity. If he insists on you working, the caregiving arrangement has to be revisited — he can’t expect you to work outside and carry all the home responsibilities without support. And more than that, he needs to recognize that partnership means sharing respect, not just finances. You can try to have a calm conversation where you tell him honestly how you’re feeling — not to blame, but to express how deeply this is affecting your emotional health and your ability to feel safe and valued in your own home.

If he’s not open to listening, you may need to consider involving a neutral third party like a family counselor. You do not have to fight this battle alone, nor should you carry the entire burden of the relationship.

You deserve more than just being tolerated — you deserve care, respect, and peace.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |613 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jun 22, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2025Hindi
Relationship
M 51 and she is 23 we met in office, we came up with relationship not totally of having sex but as attraction turned into love so many time like we kiss hug and caress each other but in My mind never thought about to have sex and sometimes she also was eager to have sex but she also denied later in office many of them had doubt of our relationship so some brain washed her mind and now she wants to end and she told me to discontinue as ahe factory and marriage can't be done as I m married with one kid, as also she has fear of her mother and family, ahe sometime says I got married and even now she wll get married to someone but end of this relationship but My feelings of truly love hurts me and I feel should I call her once and have sex so she will not think about ending relationship till marriage but My mind says it's wrong as I truly love her, what should I do to make her to stay or be with me as till she get married pls suggest I m in truly love can't able to sleep and too much stress became in My mind
Ans: First, she is 23 — very young, still forming her identity and values. You're 51, already married with a child. The relationship started in the context of attraction and care, but it now exists in a space of emotional imbalance and fear — not trust or possibility. She's not ending it because she doesn’t care about you; she's stepping back because she’s afraid of the consequences, societal pressure, and perhaps even the future she knows cannot unfold the way either of you may have wished.

You’re feeling pain and longing, and that’s human. But trying to convince her to stay by suggesting physical intimacy — especially when you yourself feel it’s not right — will only deepen the emotional conflict and guilt for both of you. Love doesn’t hold someone back just so we don’t feel the pain of their absence. True love honors freedom, even when it hurts.

Right now, the kindest thing you can do — for yourself and for her — is to accept that the relationship has reached a natural closure, however painful it may be. It’s not failure. It’s a sign that both of you must now return to your own paths.

If the emotional stress is unbearable — your sleep is affected, your thoughts are heavy — you may truly benefit from talking to a therapist or emotional wellness coach. Not because you’re weak, but because you deserve to heal in a healthy way.

You don't need to erase the love or the memories. But you do need to release the idea that you must hold on to her to keep yourself from breaking. You are capable of moving through this with dignity, and you deserve peace.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |613 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jun 22, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Inam finding difficulty to get second marriage after my first marriage ended in divorce. I am 39 year female. Please suggest ways to get a good companion how to choose at this age and also I am looking guy with no issues/children and within same community which I belong.
Ans: First, be clear within yourself about what you truly seek — not just "no past baggage" but also shared values, lifestyle compatibility, emotional maturity, and a sense of peace when you're with him. You’re not just choosing a partner — you’re choosing a future that aligns with the person you’ve grown into.

Since you are specific about the community and the absence of children from a previous marriage, you may need to be strategic but open in where you look. Along with trusted matrimonial platforms (you may try both community-based ones and modern curated matchmaking services), also let friends or extended family you trust know that you’re open to exploring proposals — sometimes word-of-mouth alliances bring surprisingly good connections.

While choosing, don’t just assess background or profession — give time to observe his emotional depth, communication style, respect for your past, and how he responds to small differences or stress. These are the real foundations for peace and partnership.

Also, give yourself permission to set boundaries without guilt. You are not obligated to compromise your standards just because it’s a second marriage or because of age. You deserve companionship, not adjustment.

And perhaps most importantly, don’t let societal timelines cloud your confidence. You are 39, not late — just clearer than before. Be honest, hopeful, and patient with yourself.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |613 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jun 22, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2025Hindi
Relationship
I am 20 yrs old female studying Btech from a prestigious institute. I am in relationship with a guy, 24 yrs old and is in central psu..However he has said that he cannot commit me a future now as his parents are strict about caste..and I don't belong to the same caste as his.. However, both of us want to continue the relationship..he has asked me to wait and said that he will try to convince his parents..but he hasn't done that yet..should I ask him to talk to his parents? But Im afraid that would make our relationship bitter, or should I breakup because it kind of Feels like he is not quite ready to discuss the matter with his parents...also I feel like I'm too young to bother regarding such a matter..but this thing disturbs the peace of my mind..I'm clueless...please suggest something
Ans: Right now, the biggest conflict is between what your heart wants and what reality is offering. You care for someone who says he loves you, yet isn’t ready to take a stand — not because he doesn’t care, but because he's afraid of upsetting his parents. That fear is real, but so is your need for clarity, emotional safety, and respect.

It’s absolutely fair for you to ask where things are headed. Waiting endlessly without a timeline or real effort can lead to quiet heartbreak. You don’t have to demand a marriage proposal, but you do deserve honesty — is he planning to talk to his parents? When? What’s his plan if they disapprove?

You are not too young to feel disturbed — love always stirs the heart, at any age. But you’re wise to ask whether this situation is serving your peace of mind. And here's the truth: if you have to keep silencing your needs to keep the relationship going, it will slowly empty you.

Have one clear, calm conversation with him. Let him know you’re not pushing for guarantees, but you need to know whether he's willing to try — and not just "someday." If he avoids, delays, or sidesteps again, it’s okay to take a step back. You’re not punishing him — you're protecting your future self.

And if part of you already knows he may never be ready, it’s okay to move forward. You’re 20, with a long, vibrant life ahead. Don’t let fear of loss keep you from choosing peace.

...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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