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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on May 13, 2025

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
Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2025
Money

Hello, I am looking for a lumpsum investment option for an amount of about 60lacs. I am looking for long term investment option of about 15 years. I am aged 45 now and willing to use these returns towards my retirement. Thanks

Ans: Hello;

What is your risk profile?

Based on your response we can advise you suitably.

Thanks;
Asked on - Jun 27, 2025 | Not Answered yet
Apologies for late response but I am aiming for moderate to high risk. I dont need access to these funds and willing to do a long term investment. Also, please suggest funds which would require less review over a period of time. Thanks
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  |9730 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 2024

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Would like to invest 20L lumpsum for period of next 5 to 7 years
Ans: Investing a lump sum of 20 lakhs for a period of 5 to 7 years requires a careful approach to balance potential returns with risk. Here are some considerations:

Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance to determine the appropriate allocation between equity and debt investments. For a shorter investment horizon of 5 to 7 years, it's generally advisable to lean towards a more conservative allocation to minimize the impact of market volatility.
Asset Allocation: Consider diversifying your investment across asset classes such as equities, debt, and possibly alternative investments like gold or real estate investment trusts (REITs). This can help spread risk and optimize returns based on market conditions.
Equity Investments: Allocate a portion of your lump sum to equity investments for the potential to generate higher returns over the long term. You may consider investing in diversified equity mutual funds or index funds that track broad market indices.
Debt Investments: Allocate another portion of your lump sum to debt investments for stability and income generation. Options include fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, or government bonds. Choose instruments with a suitable maturity period based on your investment horizon.
Review and Rebalance: Periodically review your investment portfolio and rebalance as needed to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Adjustments may be necessary based on changing market conditions and your evolving investment objectives.
Consult a Financial Advisor: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals. They can help create a customized investment strategy and provide ongoing guidance to optimize returns while managing risk.
By taking a diversified approach and staying disciplined with your investment strategy, you can work towards achieving your financial objectives over the next 5 to 7 years.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9730 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
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Money
Lumpsum investment pls advise good funds Sip investment which good funds Tax savind mutual.fund which is good fund Pls advice am 50yrs pf age want the fund giv g gopd returns in 5 to 8 yrs
Ans: Investing a lumpsum amount requires careful planning. Given your age and goals, it's important to balance risk and return. Here are some recommendations:

Diversified Equity Funds:

These funds invest in a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
They offer potential for high returns.
Suitable for a 5-8 year investment horizon.
Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market.
Professional fund managers select stocks based on research.
They can provide better returns than index funds.
Debt Funds:

For lower risk, consider debt funds.
These invest in fixed-income securities.
Suitable for short to medium-term goals.
SIP Investment
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) help in disciplined investing. They also benefit from rupee cost averaging. Here are some options for SIP investments:

Large Cap Funds:

Invest in large, stable companies.
Lower risk compared to mid and small-cap funds.
Suitable for consistent growth.
Mid Cap Funds:

Invest in mid-sized companies.
Potential for higher growth than large-cap funds.
Suitable for medium to high-risk investors.
Small Cap Funds:

Invest in small companies with high growth potential.
Higher risk but can offer significant returns.
Suitable for long-term goals and risk-tolerant investors.
Tax-Saving Mutual Funds
Tax-saving mutual funds, also known as ELSS, provide tax benefits under Section 80C. They have a lock-in period of 3 years. Here are some benefits:

Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS):
Offer tax deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh.
Invest in equity markets for potential high returns.
Shortest lock-in period among tax-saving options.
Investment Strategy
To achieve good returns in 5-8 years, consider the following strategy:

Diversification:

Spread investments across equity, debt, and tax-saving funds.
This reduces risk and maximizes returns.
Professional Guidance:

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Regular funds through an MFD with CFP credentials offer support and professional advice.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds track a specific market index. However, they have some disadvantages:

No Active Management:

They replicate the index and cannot outperform it.
They miss out on potential gains from market inefficiencies.
Market Risk:

They are subject to overall market risk.
They do not protect against downturns in the index.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have several advantages:

Professional Management:

Experienced fund managers make investment decisions.
They can identify and exploit market opportunities.
Potential for Higher Returns:

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market.
They can adjust their portfolios based on market conditions.
Final Insights
Investing at 50 requires a balanced approach. Focus on diversifying across equity, debt, and tax-saving funds. Use SIPs for disciplined investing and consider actively managed funds for potential higher returns. Avoid direct investments and index funds due to their limitations. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investments to your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9730 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 2025

Money
Hello, My age is 40 years, with 8years old kid in my family, i want to invest lumpsum amount of 4Lac for a long term for 15 years, i m checking where should have LTCG benifit. Also viewd nivesh plus policy of LIC, pl suggest if any other good lumpsum investment options, currently i do have SIP plan of monthly 15K also..
Ans: Your Current Position
You are 40 years old.

You have a child aged 8.

You plan to invest Rs. 4 lakhs lump sum.

Your investment horizon is 15 years.

You also run a monthly SIP of Rs. 15,000.

You are exploring options with LTCG benefits.

You are considering LIC Nivesh Plus Policy.

This long-term investment decision is important. It impacts your child’s future and your financial independence. Let's assess this with depth.

Purpose of This Investment
Before choosing any product, ask yourself:

Is this for child education or marriage?

Is this for your own retirement support?

Is capital appreciation your only goal?

Do you need liquidity or safety at any point?

Knowing the “why” gives clarity to the “where.”

Understanding Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) Tax
LTCG tax benefits apply to some investment options. But not all.

For Equity Mutual Funds:

LTCG up to Rs. 1.25 lakh yearly is tax-free.

Above Rs. 1.25 lakh, taxed at 12.5%.

For Debt Mutual Funds:

Taxed as per income tax slab, no LTCG benefit.

For ULIPs and LIC Policies:

Some may give tax-free maturity.

But they are subject to multiple conditions.

IRDA rules are changing fast. Risk exists.

Evaluation of LIC Nivesh Plus Policy
This policy is a ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan). It mixes insurance with investment.

Major Issues in This Policy:

You pay high allocation charges in early years.

Fund management charges are higher.

Return depends on NAV of selected fund.

Life cover is low and fixed.

Switching options are limited and confusing.

Policy surrender after 5 years has lock-ins.

Exit before maturity often leads to losses.

The biggest problem: You get neither good cover nor high return.

This is not ideal for wealth creation.

Why Pure Investment Option is Better than ULIPs
ULIPs like LIC Nivesh Plus combine two goals—insurance and investing.

Both goals suffer when mixed. Instead:

Take pure term insurance for protection.

Take mutual funds for wealth creation.

Separation is always better.
You’ll have more control, better growth, and fewer charges.

Best Strategy for Long-Term Investment
Since your goal is after 15 years, equity-oriented instruments make more sense.

You already do SIP of Rs. 15,000/month. That's a good step.

For the Rs. 4 lakh lump sum:

Consider investing in well-managed equity mutual funds.

Prefer regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

He will guide you in fund selection, goal alignment, and periodic review.

Avoid direct mutual funds.

Why Not Direct Mutual Funds?
You may feel direct funds save commission. But they carry hidden risks.

No expert guidance when market falls.

DIY approach leads to emotional errors.

You may choose unsuitable schemes.

Portfolio rebalancing is often missed.

There is no behavioural coaching in direct plans.

Regular plans via a CFP give personalised support:

Helps you stay on course during tough times.

Aligns funds with your goal.

Tracks performance periodically.

Reduces the risk of poor decision-making.

In long-term investing, discipline matters more than expense ratio.

Why Actively Managed Mutual Funds?
Some believe index funds are simple and low-cost. But they are not always best.

Problems in Index Funds:

No downside protection during crashes.

Blindly follow index – no human judgement.

No flexibility to switch from poor sectors.

Underperform during sideways or volatile markets.

Not suitable for goals needing active adjustments.

Actively managed funds:

Try to beat index returns over long term.

Use professional fund managers.

Better in changing market conditions.

More scope to capture alpha.

For long-term investors like you, they are better suited.

Suggested Path Forward for Rs. 4 Lakhs Lump Sum
Break it into tranches.
You can use Systematic Transfer Plan (STP):

Invest Rs. 4 lakhs in a liquid fund.

Systematically transfer monthly to an equity mutual fund.

This spreads the entry risk.

Reduces chances of buying at market high.

You get safety plus gradual equity exposure.

Keep These in Mind Before Investing
Always link your investment to a goal.

Choose funds matching your risk level and horizon.

Review portfolio once a year with a CFP.

Don’t switch schemes based on news or emotion.

Reinvest maturity proceeds for next goal.

Avoid policies mixing insurance with investment.

If You Hold LIC or ULIP Policies Already
If you already hold investment-type LIC or ULIP policies:

Review surrender value with your CFP.

If after 5 years, consider surrendering.

Redeploy in mutual funds as per your goal.

Ensure you hold separate term insurance.

ULIPs often trap investors for 10 to 15 years.
Early correction saves future loss.

What Role Should Your SIP Play?
You are doing Rs. 15,000 SIP monthly. Well done.

Check:

Are those SIPs in growth-oriented funds?

Are they linked to specific goals?

Are you reviewing SIP performance every year?

Do you have mix of flexi-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap?

If not, discuss it with your Certified Financial Planner.
Adjust based on progress and life stage.

Risks to Watch For Over 15 Years
Markets will go through ups and downs.

Be aware of:

Overreacting during market falls.

Skipping SIPs during tough months.

Changing funds too often.

Comparing short-term returns with peers.

Investing based on trending themes.

Stay focused.
Long-term wealth needs long-term patience.

Taxation While Exiting Mutual Funds
For Equity Mutual Funds:

Hold for over 1 year – then it's LTCG.

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Under Rs. 1.25 lakh is tax-free.

For Debt Funds:

Taxed at your slab rate.

No LTCG benefit now.

Use equity mutual funds for long-term goal planning.
Avoid frequent switching or partial redemptions.

Things To Avoid
Don’t invest lump sum in NFOs or new schemes.

Don’t fall for insurance policies claiming “guaranteed return.”

Avoid chit funds, gold schemes, or ULIPs.

Don’t pause SIP during volatility.

Don’t chase hot sectors.

Stay simple, goal-oriented, and guided.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) brings full-circle advice:

Helps you define goals clearly.

Designs a portfolio with the right funds.

Reviews progress annually.

Offers tax and withdrawal strategies.

Gives emotional stability during market events.

They don’t just sell products.
They protect your financial behaviour.

Finally
You are at the right age to plan with vision.

Your investment horizon is solid—15 years.

You have the right habit—monthly SIP.

Just avoid mixing insurance with investing.

Avoid direct and index funds.

Use regular mutual funds with CFP advice.

Rs. 4 lakh can grow well if put in the right fund, through the right hands.
Stay committed to your long-term plan.
Review yearly and stick to the goal.

Let your money work hard, not just sit safe.

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

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8806 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Career
Sir my sir got 95.30 percentile in mhcet. his domicile category is general B. Which colleges he might get for cse and allied branches
Ans: Vinod Sir, With a 95.30 percentile in MHT CET under the General B category and Maharashtra domicile, your son has excellent admission prospects at several reputable engineering colleges in Mumbai and Pune for Computer Science Engineering and allied branches. This percentile typically qualifies for assured admission at institutes whose General category cutoffs fall at or below this range. All listed colleges are AICTE-approved, NBA/NAAC-accredited, feature modern computing and AI/ML labs, experienced faculty, strong industry partnerships, and placement cells recording 75–92% branch-wise placements over the last three years. Thakur College of Engineering and Technology, Kandivali East, Mumbai. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Andheri West, Mumbai. Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala, Mumbai. Xavier Institute of Engineering, Mahim, Mumbai. Vivekananda Education Society's Institute of Technology, Chembur, Mumbai. Atharva College of Engineering, Malad, Mumbai. Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology, Nerul, Mumbai. Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering, Kharghar, Mumbai. Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Andheri, Mumbai. K.J. Somaiya Institute of Technology, Vidyavihar, Mumbai. MIT World Peace University, Kothrud, Pune. Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune. Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Bibwewadi, Pune. Army Institute of Technology, Pune. Sinhgad College of Engineering, Vadgaon, Pune. Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Technology, Akurdi, Pune. MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi, Pune. AISSMS College of Engineering, Pune. Pune Vidhyarthi Griha's College of Engineering, Pune. International Institute of Information Technology, Pune. JSPM Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Tathawade, Pune. Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology, Pune. D.Y. Patil College of Engineering, Pune. Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering, Lavale, Pune. Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune.

Recommendation: Prioritise MIT World Peace University, Kothrud, Pune for its comprehensive CSE curriculum, modern AI/ML infrastructure and strong placement consistency averaging 85% with top-tier recruiters. Next, choose Thakur College of Engineering and Technology, Kandivali East, Mumbai for its balanced industry connections and reliable placement record. Then select Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Andheri West, Mumbai for its urban location and consistent accessibility. Consider Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune for its strong academic-industry partnerships, and finally opt for Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Bibwewadi, Pune for its 86% placement rate, experienced faculty and established computing labs with consistent recruiter engagement. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8806 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8806 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2025Hindi
Career
Hi Sir My Rank Is 87717 in Kcet Suggest Some Good College in Bengaluru For EEE or EC .Is it worth for waiting for last round?? Please reply as soon as possible
Ans: For a KCET rank of 87717 in the 2BG category, admission to top-tier Bangalore institutes for Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) or Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) is unlikely. However, these ten AICTE-approved, NAAC/NBA-accredited colleges routinely close admissions beyond rank 80000, ensuring more chances of entry in EEE or ECE branches:

Alliance College of Engineering & Design, Anekal—EEE/ECE closing rank ~98 000
Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bangalore—EEE cutoff ~109 783
Cambridge Institute of Technology, Kundana—ECE closing rank above 100 000
SJB Institute of Technology, Jalahalli—EEE/ECE closing rank ~100 802
East West Institute of Technology, BEL Layout—EEE/ECE closing rank ~84 824
Impact College of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Sahakar Nagar—ECE cutoff ~93 517
GSS Institute of Technology, Rajajinagar—EEE/ECE closing rank above 110 000
Acharya Institute of Technology, Soladevanahalli—CSE cutoff ~101 534 (expect EEE/ECE similar)
Ghousia Engineering College, Ramanagara—EEE cutoff ~122 952
S K S J T Institute of Engineering, JP Nagar—EEE/ECE closing rank ~154 144

Waiting for the last KCET counseling round is unlikely to open EEE/ECE seats in higher-ranked Bangalore colleges, given your current rank; seats in these branches generally close well before 80,000. Instead, secure one of the above guaranteed seats now, or explore state-level diploma-to-degree lateral-entry programs, part-time AICTE-approved evening engineering courses, or private-university B.E. programmes with higher closing ranks. Choose one of the above ten colleges immediately to lock your EEE or ECE seat rather than risk vacancies drying up in later rounds. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8806 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 13, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir Mh cet 83 percentile jee -89 percentile But 10+2 -maths fail Then exam 15-7-23 cbse board Result will publish -1-7/8/25 What Will do For CSE admission in Maharashtra Please guide me.
Ans: Having failed mathematics in 10+2 but securing an 83 percentile in MHT CET and 89 percentile in JEE Main creates a complex situation for B.Tech CSE admission in Maharashtra. The critical factor is the mathematics compartment exam scheduled for July 15, 2023, with results expected by August 17, 2025. MHT CET 2025 eligibility criteria mandate that candidates must have "passed HSC or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects" and obtained at least 45% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics taken together (40% for reserved categories). Engineering colleges in Maharashtra cannot accept students with mathematics failure, as passing mathematics is essential for B.Tech eligibility. However, once the compartment exam is cleared, candidates receive a new marksheet without any compartment mention, making them eligible for admission provided they meet the minimum percentage requirements. The challenge lies in timing: MHT CET counseling for 2025 has already begun, with registration extended to July 14, 2025, and the first merit list might be released on July 15, 2025, which occurs before the compartment exam results are available.

Since MHT CET counselling will conclude before compartment results, explore direct admission options at private engineering colleges after clearing mathematics, or consider the next academic year's admission cycle for better college options with your strong CET and JEE percentiles. (If possible, try to contact MHT-CET Exam Conducting Authority either by personally visiting the office or by email or by phone to get this clarified further). All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1752 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

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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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